The Summer Stretch: Renovation Moves Full-Steam Ahead
While congregants may be planning summer getaways, Touro’s Lifting the Sky capital project is moving full steam ahead. If you’ve been on Touro’s campus lately, you’ve likely noticed that our usable spaces have been minimized as crews tackle large-scale HVAC projects and knock out to-do lists. In fact, we’re proud to say that we’re still on schedule to complete all renovation work in time for the High Holidays!
In the last month, we’ve made the following large-scale progress:
The entire ceiling in the social hall has been dismantled, old HVAC equipment ...
Interior Renovations Begin to Take Shape
There has been incredible progress made recently on the Lifting the Sky capital project, and we’re excited to share details with you!
To date, here’s what has been accomplished:
New HVAC systems with automated control are now in place, replacing one very old system! See amazing photos of the new HVAC systems being lifted up to the roof and put into place.
New roofs have been installed over the Chapel and the Social Hall.
Old light fixtures have been donated for re-use rather than going to a landfill.
A generator support system has been built, enabling ...
New Bollards and Sidewalks Complete
The new bollards and new sidewalks are now complete, and the construction fencing along St. Charles Ave. has been removed! Now that this work is finished, we will host the Krewe of VIPs for Mardi Gras, just as we have for many years.
The VIP Balcony is an accessible balcony at Touro Synagogue built for and provided free of charge to children (and sometimes adults) with disabilities and their families in the New Orleans community during some Mardi Gras parades. Food, entertainment, and friendship are a part of these extraordinary parade experiences. ...
Bollards and New Sidewalk Almost Finished
We’re excited to announce that the bollards and new sidewalk will be completed very soon! The purpose of the bollards is to create a traffic-safe space in front of the sanctuary.
Installing the bollards has been a complex undertaking due to underground utilities and bouts of rain, but thankfully, we’ve managed to stay on schedule despite these issues.
In addition, we’ll be able to successfully host VIP Kids and their caregivers for another Mardi Gras! This year, our campus will have safe sidewalks, bollards, and a beautifully restored façade for all ...
Important Update on Pedestrian Safety
Currently, our renovation project requires removal of the full sidewalk area in front of the Main Sanctuary, from the bottom of the synagogue steps to the curb, for the installation of bollards. For this reason, there’s unfortunately no safe pathway for pedestrians approaching our campus from the General Pershing/St. Charles Ave. side.
The concern for pedestrian safety is paramount; so, we’re requesting that all congregants and guests approach the synagogue from the Milan St./St. Charles Ave. side, and enter through the main gate into the courtyard.
The ...
New Fencing in Place; Bollards to Be Installed
Additional construction fencing has been put in place in front of the Main Sanctuary, as preparation is underway for the installation of security bollards to protect pedestrians from vehicular traffic. (Bollards are short posts used to create a protective or architectural perimeter. When installed, they guide traffic and mark boundaries.)
The cost of the bollards will be covered by a security grant Touro Synagogue was awarded in 2021. As an added plus, we’ll be getting a brand new sidewalk as part of the process! Please know that the fencing and bollard ...
Renovation Begins on Education Building and Administrative Offices
L'Shanah Tovah! This week marks the exciting next phase of our Lifting the Sky capital project, as we begin the renovation of our education building and administrative offices. This will include the installation of an elevator, new library and reading rooms, an all-gender bathroom, third-floor bathrooms, new air conditioning, and an expansion of the main foyer area. Construction is expected to last approximately six months.
As part of this phase, Touro's administrative offices are being temporarily relocated to the upstairs classrooms and Shushan Assembly ...
A Refresh for the New Year
Noticed our spiffed-up look over Rosh Hashanah? We’re excited that the courtyard, the chapel, and the St. Charles Ave. façade of the sanctuary have all been refreshed with a good cleaning and tuckpointing. (Tuckpointing is the process of removing the older mortar that sits between the bricks of a building. After the old mortar is removed, it's replaced with fresh mortar, making everything look fresh and new and improving a building’s structural support.) In addition, we now have a new roof on the chapel and the main entrance gate.
These efforts are part ...
L’Shanah Tovah! A Message from Our Campaign Chairs
As we begin 5784, we are thrilled to see the revitalization work on our cherished home begin. Over the next year, we will be making many enhancements including:
Creating a beautiful new library and other learning spaces for children and adults upstairs on the second floor;
Refreshing our classrooms and installing suitable restrooms on the 2nd and 3rd floor so our children, teens, and synagogue committees can use them effectively;
Installing an elevator in the Education Building so that all of us can reach those spaces;
Expanding of our office spaces and ...
Occasional Restricted Access to Pitt and General Pershing Streets
From time to time, lift equipment will block access to Pitt and/or General Pershing Streets temporarily for the unloading of materials. While we hope to have advance warning of blockages, the ebb and flow of work may not allow for it. We understand the need to minimize these disruptions and ask for your patience. Thank you!