Mount Zion Temple

Key project challenges during this phase included a rigorous review by the Historic Preservation Commission regarding any exterior changes and the re-structuring of the second floor roof structure to provide the new, 2,400 square foot social hall. The new elevator addition, roof mounted chiller enclosure and window and door replacement had to “pass muster” with the local preservation commission and the three adjoining neighborhood committees.

Main Entry at Summit Avenue

The architecture firm worked directly with the local committees and the glazing subcontractor to design an ingenious window assembly that closely matched the previous window profiles. This was no small feat because the original windows were steel and aluminum-framed windows with single pane glass while the replacement windows are thermally broken aluminum frames with low-e insulating glass. The new 100-ton air-cooled chiller - considered too unsightly to be left exposed - was placed on the roof of the education wing and screened with a new masonry and metal stud veneer wall that matched the height and profile of the existing mechanical penthouse. An extensive search for compatible brick and a conscientious effort to match the existing, intricate brick coursing resulted in a near seamless addition between the old and the new.                                                                                                                                       ...Next Page