Congregation B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim, Deerfield, Ill.
Award of Merit - Renovation/Restoration
Founded more than100 years ago, this Reform congregation decided to follow the migration patterns of its congregants by relocating to its fourth home in Deerfield, Ill.
The available property was part of a six-building, one-story office complex in an accessible location.
The owner purchased three of the buildings, encompassing 70,000 sq ft of space.
The project team realized from the beginning that this was not an ordinary construction project.
The $18-million project was the culmination of several years of programming, design, fundraising and execution.
The congregation had outgrown its facility in Glenview, Ill., and required an expansion to better accommodate its values and offerings.
This project required the major demolition and conversion of two, single-story office buildings into one religious and multi-use facility.
With the completion of the new building, the owner has expanded its spiritual home to further embrace education, music and prayer, fostering spirituality, community and social action.
Key Players
Developer/Owner: Congregation B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim, Deerfield, Ill.
GC: Krusinski Construction Co., Chicago
CM: Owner Services Group, Oakbrook Terrace, Chicago
Architect: Finegold Alexander + Associates, Boston
Civil Engineer: Pearson Brown & Associates Inc., Libertyville, Ill.
Structural Engineer: Stuart K. Jacobson & Associates Ltd., Chicago
MEP Engineer: Klaucens and Associates Inc., Northbrook, Ill.