Renewal Project: What is happening next

Hundreds of Holy Blossom members connected with the Renewal Project over the summer and early fall, through Temple tours, small meetings, and meetings of Temple committee leadership, with our architects and members of our Renewal Project Engagement Committee. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and their ideas to learn about and advance the renewal of our building – our seniors who shared their visions for a renewed building for their grandchildren while insisting on a more accessible building for themselves, the many many cooks and volunteers who emphasized the need for an updated kitchen, the congregants of all ages who dreamed of a spot in or near the central gathering space for coffee and conversation, the young adults who challenged us to make a more sustainable Holy Blossom Temple.

As a result of the input of so many congregants, our architects, Diamond Schmitt, deepened their understanding of our congregation’s requirements and desires for our renewed building.

Here is what will be happening next.

Diamond Schmitt have been working with our Renewal Project Building Committee to prepare revised plans to reflect what they learned from us.  These updated schematic design drawings will be circulated to the congregation early in 2014. At the same time, the Renewal Project Transition Committee has begun the process of determining, in close cooperation with our architects, what spaces will be available to us during Phase 1 construction.  Our goal is to use as much of our unaffected space as possible, so as to maintain the core of our community at 1950 Bathurst – and so as to minimize any transition costs.

As soon as our transition options have been clarified, early in 2014, the Renewal Project Engagement Committee will again invite all Temple members to join in helping to shape how the Temple will operate during the 15 or so months of Phase 1 of the Renewal Project.

As we work together to renew our space and spirit, moving with excitement towards putting the shovel in the ground in fall 2014, the opportunities (and challenges) will be many.  We will be updating you further in January, and reaching out for your input and energy.

With warm wishes to our community for a productive – and groundbreaking – 2014.

Joan Garson
Chair, Renewal Project Engagement Committee