Green Synagogue  |  Our Building

Project Overview

Scope of Work

• To design and build a high performance building for on-going JRC programming.
• The new building is 31,000 sq. feet; 50% larger than our original building, maximizing flexible use space. (We would have needed 40,000 sq ft for dedicated spaces!)

South facade, in the evening, showcases our grand two-story staircase. (Photograph by Steve Hall @ Hedrich Blessing)

• Total project costs including transition and interim fees: $10 million
• Building related costs: $7.4 million
• Estimated up-charge for green initiatives: 3-5% of total project
• HVAC: approximately $250,000 more than conventional, but estimated to be 42-45% more efficient with a payback of 5-7 years. Water usage will bring additional savings.
• We received $105,000 from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation for incremental design, engineering and commissioning for LEED initiative.

Resource Utilization

• Materials: 47% of all the materials used in the building were manufactured within 500 miles. 51% of all new wood used in the building is re-used or is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified.
• Water: The combination of water efficient features in the restrooms and kitchen and drought-resistant landscaping is projected to save 41% on water consumption over the life of the building.
• Energy: The combination of HVAC, lighting, insulation, and other energy saving features of our building is projected to save 45% on energy consumption compared to a conventional building.

Project Team

• Owner: JRC (owner’s representatives – Alan Saposnik, Michael Nolan)
• Architect, Interiors, Lighting Designer: Ross Barney Architects (Carol Ross Barney, Michael Ross, John Fried) 
• General Contractor: Bulley & Andrews, LLC
• LEED Consultant: HJKessler Associates (Helen Kessler)
• Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Engineer: EYP Mission Critical Facilities
• Commissioning Agent: Cotter Consulting, Inc.
• Structural Engineer: CE Anderson & Associates
• Landscape Architect: oslund.and.assoc.
• Acoustics: Talaske

Support from the JRC Community

• This project could not have happened without the generous financial support of the JRC Community, the support of the JRC Board and the work of the Building Task Force.
• If you would like to make a new pledge or add to your existing pledge, please contact the office and someone from the Capital Campaign will contact you!

Awards and Recognition
JRC Awarded Platinum-Level LEED Certification!
Virtual Tour: Exterior
Virtual Tour: First Floor
Virtual Tour: Second Floor
Virtual Tour: Third Floor
Virtual Tour: Mechanical Systems
How did we do it? A History...