THE FIRST PHASE of the multiyear renovation project in our historic sanctuary building is well underway. As its contours have taken shape, observers have naturally asked: Why are only 3 of the 4 restrooms being addressed at this time—what about the downstairs women’s restroom?
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| A stall in the basement women’s room |
Below the jump, this post gives the back story, to explain why we are not touching that restroom during Phase 1.…
SOME TESTING FOR ASBESTOS has been done at Mishkon over the years. (Some abatement work has also been done.)
This post now documents what I have learned from testing reports, our office computer records, and our inspector. It also gives some background information.…
ALTHOUGH SELDOM NOTICED, a plenum (shaft) runs from floor to ceiling through the lobby-level “Ladies Lounge.” (It continues through the mezzanine, too.) It’s behind the wall that is straight across from the door to the lounge from the lobby. What is it doing there?
Below the jump, this post discloses what’s inside that plenum—and why.
OUR PROSPECTIVE CONSULTANT, a mechanical engineer, has observed that our restrooms have exhaust fans yet no clear way to replace the exhausted air. He believes that in order to approve our permit for expansion restrooms, the City might well require a dedicated source for intake air. (HVAC people call it make-up air, presumably because it “makes up” for the lost air that the exhaust fan is removing from the room.)
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| A typical restroom exhaust fan |
This raises the question: What is the best way to supply make-up air to our restrooms?
This question will eventually apply also to the basement restrooms, since they are likewise slated for eventual expansion. So let’s think about a comprehensive solution that will work for them, as well.
Below the jump, I offer a couple of cautions about one option that the architect has mentioned as being fairly normal. Then I outline a custom alternative that takes advantage of our building’s unique configuration [revised 9/10].…
WHAT IS ABOVE the exhaust grilles in the ceiling of our kitchen? The answer is important, as we move toward the necessary improvements to meet the current mechanical code for exhausting air from the room.
Below the jump, this post documents the existing exhaust system, with 7 photos (some with circles and arrows) and a diagram.…
CHARACTER-DEFINING FEATURES of our historic sanctuary building were identified in the Historic Structure Report (2003; “HSR”). These are the aspects that warrant historic preservation, in the eyes of architectural historians.
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THE STATE HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE provides alternative minimum standards for alterations of qualified historical buildings or facilities. The section for accessibility can be found HERE.
Our historic sanctuary building does qualify for the allowances under this code, according to our 2003 Historic Structure Report. And now that we are contemplating genuine alterations—not merely repairs or rehabilitation—it seems timely to explore what the applicable accessibility standards are.
Recently I was asked which of our planned projects might be suitable for a donor who wished to honor the memory of a loved one. Given the impression that the contemplated size of the gift was between $1K and $10K, I came up with three options.
Below the jump, I describe these options. Each one appeals to a certain sensibility. All of them would help to meet a pressing need—and boost the spirits of our members and staff.
In the 2003 Historic Structure Report (HSR), our consultant’s recommendations included a pair of observations that are germane to the planned modifications to the women’s restroom on the sanctuary level.
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| (As usual, click/tap on an image to enlarge it.) |
Below the jump, I excerpt from their observations on the topics of Accessibility and of Compliance with Health and Safety Codes.