Weighing the alternative to an elevator (Speculation)

ONE OF THE many reasons to provide wheelchair access to the basement is to achieve Mishkon’s own renovation priorities. Those priorities include the installation of proper HVAC systems in the basement (Social Hall and kitchen). It appears that according to the state building code’s Section 11B-202.4 (quite apart from the ADA), we will not be allowed to even start those projects unless we can show how someone in a wheelchair can travel to and from the basement.  

In order to provide such access, it appears that Mishkon has two options: 

• spend roughly $200K for an inclined platform lift in the east stairwell (as described here), or 
• spend roughly $400K for a small elevator (as discussed here and here).

Below the jump, this post briefly discusses the trade-offs involved in that big decision.

First 6 months of Phase 1 renovations: Preparatory steps (Activity Report)

IN LATE OCTOBER, our architect (along with a pair of synagogue representatives) had two productive meetings with City officials. They conducted an initial review of the planned Phase 1 of renovations. Both of those meetings settled a number of uncertainties. That result now enables us to move forward with our Phase 1 renovations. It also provides a good opportunity to take stock of what has been accomplished during the 6 months (this week) that the project has now been formally underway.

Below the jump, this post provides a progress report, along with a brief look at what comes next.…

Mishkon engages architect for Phase 1 of multi-year renovations (Activity Report)

MISHKON SIGNED A CONTRACT in May with KCK Architects, an accomplished historic preservation firm, to oversee Phase 1 of renovations in our historic sanctuary building. After meeting with representatives of seven firms, I recommended this one as the best suited for our needs among those available to undertake our project.

The planned work is to be carried out in several phases over a period of 3–4 years. The only phase we have contracted for at present is the first one, which includes restroom remodeling (lobby level), lobby reno­vation, and the siting/integration of a possible elevator, within the context of an overall entry accessibility plan. Fu­ture phases are subject to approval by the board and/or B&G Committee.

Below the jump, this post discusses the background, the need, and the architect’s services to be performed—with brief status notes as we near the 6-month mark.…

Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Capital Priorities, as submitted 2/3/25 (Activity Report)

THE COMMITTEE WAS ASKED to provide the Board a list of priorities for the use of funds currently held in the Mishkon Tephilo Capital Improvements Fund (at Morgan Stanley). The committee was informed that approximately $400,000 was deposited into this fund from proceeds of the sale of the Powerhouse property and the bequest of Larry Kasdon.

(So begins the report. Below the jump, the remainder is given verbatim.…)

What happened to the stairwell lift that we used to have? (Condition Report)

LAST YEAR, Fleming arranged to have our non-working stairwell lift removed and scrapped. Which raises the question as to what exactly had once been there, and what went wrong. 

Below the jump, I report on what I have recently learned from modest exploration and inquiry.… 

Four possible sites for a lift/elevator: FEEDBACK REQUESTED

THE IDEA OF having an elevator in our sanctuary building is attractive in theory. Yet fitting one into an existing (and historic) building would not be easy. In fact, it’s looking to be darn difficult! 

So far, architects have suggested four possible sites in our sanctuary building as potentially workable for a Limited Use / Limited Access (LULA) elevator. That’s the smaller type that is suitable for retrofits in existing churches and synagogues.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.  If you are a Mishkon member, then upon request I will provide you with a memo that shows the four proposed sites (on the floor plans of the two main levels) and then outlines their relative benefits. Each location has its advantages and disadvantages. 

If you care where this elevator might go, then get in touch with me soon! (Use the Mishkon directory if need be.) After you understand the options, I want to hear from you.

Once a functionally optimal site becomes more clear, we can gather cost data; and then there will be something for the ad-hoc planning committee to consider in its prioritizing—and perhaps ultimately something for the board to discuss and vote on. Until then, all of this is merely exploratory.

—David Stein

Goals in the grant application

THIS POST is the 4th and last in a series of excerpts from our application last week for consideration for a grant award from the National Fund for Sacred Places, a non-profit organization. 

(As usual, click/tap on an image to enlarge it.)

Below the jump, this post describes the time line of the grant program, our proposed scope of work under this grant, and the main components of our total fundraising goal. 

Elevator? More precisely, a lift

OUR GOAL IS to get one or two people at a time from the sanctuary (Hampton Drive gate) level down to the Social Hall and back up again — a vertical distance of about 13 feet. It turns out that the right device for that purpose is not an elevator but rather a lift. Specifically, a vertical platform lift (VPL).

(As usual, click/tap on an image to enlarge it.)

Below the jump, this post discusses my first foray into the world of VPLs.…