Herman Coliver Locus Architecture

We originally planned a renovation and addition but found, due to the age of the building, that it would cost nearly as much to renovate as it would to rebuild from the ground up.

The building was built in 1960 when we were just 380 families. We have grown over 60 years to over 1100 families and, based on our Visioning Process in 2016, determined that there was a need for not just additional space, but more flexible and improved spaces for our congregation.

The new synagogue will be roughly 50% larger than the current building and occupy two stories.

The second story is needed as expanded space on the ground level would negatively impact the parking lot and courtyard.

The sanctuary will hold approximately the same number of seats as now, and can be expanded to for additional seating.

The current stained glass design is actually colored plastic attached to the glass and has cracked over time. It would unsafe to re-use it in new building.The new building will have skylights with a similar stained glass effect as an ode to our beloved sanctuary.

No, we will continue to use the Brandeis Wing, but we've added new multi-purpose rooms and a new youth lounge.

Yes, there will be a beautiful social hall in the new building that will open to the courtyard.

Ensuring the comfort and accessibility of the new spaces was a high priority for the building committee. In addition to complying with the ADA and California Building Code-Title 24, we have worked to design welcoming spaces and systems for all.

We are working with two security consultants to incorporate appropriate security measures for a public building, including both physical barriers and enhanced surveillance and communication technologies.

We do not anticipate more traffic or parking as the additional spaces will not all be used at the same time.

The audio visual experience will benefit from all that we have learned during the pandemic. We are working with a pre-eminent audio-visual/acoustic firm to ensure we translate our best virtual experiences into ongoing practices.

We have elected to voluntarily pursue the highest tier of green building code-compliance in Marin County. An energy-efficient building envelope, natural daylighting and solar shading, solar panels, high performance lighting, heating and cooling systems, low-flow plumbing fixtures, air filtration systems, natural and non-off-gassing interior and exterior materials, drought-tolerant planting, a "smart" irrigation system and exterior pervious paving and bioswales for storm water treatment will all contribute to a high-performing sustainable building and landscape.

Yes, a state of the art HVAC system will be installed.

The HVAC system will be fitted with an air filtering system to help reduce wildfire particulate matter and virus transmission from indoor air.

We have submitted for building permits and expect final sign-off by the end of April 2022.

June 12, 2022

Cahill Contractors, a 130 year old San Francisco General Contractor.

Our ground breaking is scheduled for June 12, 2022.

Approximately 14 months.

7:30 am-4:00pm, Monday through Friday.

Typically not, but on occasion it may be necessary.

The is a comprehensive Construction Management Plan that complies with County requirements. Once construction drawings are complete, the Contractor will develop a safety plan that will further address any potential issues.

Non-hazardous, recyclable materials in the existing building will be recycled.

Services will be held primarily in the JCC.

B'nai Mitzvahs will be held primarily in the JCC.

Religious School will be held in Brandeis Marin. Midrasha will be held in the JCC.

Mitzvah Kitchen cooking will take place in the JCC Kitchen.

Clergy and staff offices will be located on the second floor of the JCC, just outside the elevator. More information coming soon.

28 parking spaces will temporarily unavailable during construction.

High Holiday services will be held in the Marin Civic Center with a smaller service in the Hoytt Theater in the JCC.

Our phone number and mailing address will stay the same.

We have raised over $28 million and continue to fundraise. To date, we have raised 85% of project costs.

Dues will not be increased to finance the building project.

We anticipate increased operational costs, and are working internally to forecast and minimize these costs for the future through sustainability efforts, such as solar power.