Montoya says the challenge with this type of restoration work is that there is no way to precisely specify means and methods ahead of time for restoring historic elements. Numerous mock-ups are required.

To foster a successful outcome, the builder must "speak to the architect and the owner and understand what their goals are for the finished product," he says. "You have to invest yourself personally to understand their vision."

Key Players

Contractor MATT Construction Corp.

Owner Wilshire Boulevard Temple

Owner's Rep Searock Stafford CM

Lead Design Firm Levin & Associates Architects

Structural Engineer Structural Focus

Civil Engineer KPFF Consulting Engineers

MEP Engineer IBE Consulting Engineers; Muir-Chase Plumbing Co.

Subcontractors Bergelectric; ACCO Engineered Systems; Judson Studios; Aneta Zebala and Partners; KC Restoration; Frank P. Petrilli & Sons Inc.; John Dezso & Associates; EverGreen Architectural Arts Inc.;Raymond – Southern California