How to install a giant circular staircase
How to install a giant circular staircase
(Pro-tip: Lower it through the roof)
As we reported in our last update, our circular feature stair, the gorgeous centerpiece of our new Temple Atrium, arrived on-site this past week. How do you install such a thing, you may be wondering? Glad you asked. For those who want to go directly to the video, you can watch the spectacular operation right here.
For those still reading, here’s what went up … and then down … last Thursday and Friday.
Three massive sections were each hoisted into the sky on the end of a 100-ton crane, and then delicately lowered down through a section of our new skylight that had been purposely left open for this specific procedure. Truly a sight to behold. And that’s not just us saying it. In evidence was a crowd of construction workers, Temple staff, and even quite a few of our neighbours who had gathered to witness the event. And really, what’s more fun that watching a giant crane raise UPstairs, and then lower DOWNstairs?
More good community news: Just over a week ago, City Councillor Joe Mihevc, joined the Chair of our Building Committee, Cary Solomon, and our project management team for a thorough tour of our Phase 1 construction. Councillor Mihevc has been so very supportive of Temple and our Renewal Project these last number of years and it was truly our pleasure to show him what is blossoming here.
A reminder that Phase 1 of our project includes not only our light-filled Central Atrium, but also, our brand new Family Chapel, Café, Youth Lounge, Judaica Shop, Library, modern heating and cooling systems and more … all in a LEED Silver Certified, environmentally-friendly building.
Aleinu … It is upon US.
And please don’t forget about our shared (and attainable) goal to fully fund Phase 1 construction in time for Rosh Hashanah, this fall. We’re currently at almost $27.5 million raised, which means we have just over $4 million to go. To begin a conversation about your Renewal commitment, payment over time and the inherent tax advantages (particularly relevant at this time of year), please contact our Director of Development, Jonathan Ain at jain@holyblossom.org or 416.789.3291 ext. 249.
As always, we thank you for your continued readership, viewership and support (financial and otherwise) of our Renewal Project.
Exciting to watch how the circular stairway was manoeuvred into place. Quite a feat of engineering. Can’t wait to see it in the Atrium. I feel blessed to be part of Holy Blossom’s renewal.
Jacob’s Ladder was occasionally depicted as a staircase. Imagine Jacob imagining this.