THE BULLETIN — 7
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unsightly but also dangerous.'
All existing landscaping around the building was removed to "give more of a sense of the building,*' he explained. New landscaping, by landscape architect Catherine Berris, includes trees, benches and extensive use of exposed aggregate.
Concrete spalling (chipping) on the outside of the building was also repaired.
Additional lighting was added for safety and security measures, Lutsky said. Moreover, new canopies were added over the front doors.
Renovations also extended into the building with the biggest change being the addition of a Shabbat elevator, Lutsky said.
The elevator will operate on an automatic cycle on Shabbat to allow the infirm, elderly and handicapped to access the sanctuary on the main floor. Prior to this, Lutsky said, people in wheelchairs had to be carried up the external stairs. When in Shabbat mode, bells will not light and the elevator will not respond if the floor buttons are pushed.
The elevator is also a boon, the architect noted, to those who seek access to the synagogue during the week.
"Handicapped people have not been able to access the synagogue office on the top floor," Lutsky explained. Now, by entering through the handicapped access around the back, "contact is just a push of the button away."
Another change that will benefit the handicapped is the addition of both men's and women's handicapped-accessible washrooms on the main floor. Previously washrooms were located only on the lower level of the building, Lutsky said.
Electrical wiring was upgraded to code throughout the building with provision made for future installation of a new air-
wells where people gather in an emergency — were also installed. They are a fairly new requirement of the fire code, according to Lutsky.
"There were no major changes to the building, the architect acknowledged, but "just an uplift to give a sense of renewal."
Other Jewish contractors involved in the project included Martin Glotman, structural engineer and project manager; Arnie Nemetz, electrical engineering; and Haebler Construction.
RENDERING of renovation project gives unified look to Schara Tzedeck Synagogue. Newly-constructed piazas and benches add space for worshippers to congregate while interior work included addition of handicapped-accessible washrooms and upgraded electrical systems.
Warmest Greetings to Sahara Tzedeck Synagogue for the Renovations.
Catherine R. Berris
BLA, MLA, BCSLA, MPIBC
^i^'jCATHERtNE BeRRIS ASSOCIATES iNC'^i-yA-:
•Land Use + Environmental Planning • Landscape Architecture
420-1639 West 2nd Ave., Vancouver, B.C. V6J1H3 Tel (604) 736-6336 ^ Fax 736-2338
Best Wishes to Schara Tzedeck Synagogue on the Completion of the Renovations
J.S. LUTSKY ARCHITECTURE INCORPORATED
Jack Samuel Lutsky
MAIBC, MRAIC, RIBA 2150 Fir Street, Vaneoiiver, B.C. V6J 3B5 Tel: (604) 733-2723 Fax: (604) 733-2724 Mobile: (604) 644-8803