Renovations continue at the Dwares JCC

For months, visitors to the Jewish Alliance’s Dwares JCC have grown accustomed to seeing signs of construction around the building. Now the transformation is in high gear.

Extensive renovations started in March and behind-the-scenes work has been going on ever since. The outside steel canopy structure and contemporary glass doors have been installed, and concrete for the stairs and handicap ramp has been poured. There will be well-appointed front and back entrances instead of the five now in use, allowing for a strong focus on hospitality.

The Salmanson upper lobby framing and drywall are underway, and an  elevator at the front entrance is nearly finished. The rear entrance has also been framed, and some of the finish work has begun. The new lobby space is designed to allow visitors to engage with each other and have better access to the activities going on in the building. The upper lobby will include a contemporary welcome desk, ample seating and digital signage to display information about programming and events.

Renovations to the Baxt Social Hall, which has an adjacent Kosher kitchen and stage area, have begun. The approximately 4,500-square-foot space will be suitable for receptions, parties, seminars, performances, movies and other social gatherings.

At completion, the building will be accessible to all, thanks to the ramps and elevator. The existing elevator near the fitness center will remain in use. The Dwares JCC will reopen with a new back entrance and downstairs lobby; the Bornstein front entrance; relocated Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center; the Salmanson upper lobby; and the Baxt Social Hall.

Progress will be on display during Day at the J, scheduled for Jan. 29. 2017. The Dwares JCC will be open for activities, including conversations about books, followed by a celebration of Jewish books and activities in the fitness center.

The Dwares JCC renovation project is a long-term strategic initiative. The plan started after Donald and Bonnie Dwares announced a major donation to the Jewish Community Center in 2012 to help update and renovate the building.

The goals are to modernize the aging building, create an inclusive, welcoming place, make the facility handicapped accessible and create better flow while enhancing security. Once the renovations are complete, the Dwares JCC will continue to provide for the social, cultural, educational, recreational and health-related needs of the greater R.I. Jewish community.

Initial portions of the project included work on the HVAC system, energy-efficient lighting, pool renovations and updates to the fitness center locker rooms. The David C. Isenberg Family Early Childhood Center (ECC) continues to undergo classroom expansions and updates, which will serve as a fitting legacy to David Isenberg.

“All these upgrades are designed to enhance the membership experience and make the building a more inclusive community center, welcoming to all,” said Dan Hamel, CFO. “It’s going to be a wonderful, more inviting experience coming into the building.”

“This is an impressive renovation project,” said Mehdi Khosrovani, president of n|e|m|d architects Inc. of Providence. “The building will look modern, but inviting and comfortable.”

Since the beginning of the Capital Campaign, the Jewish Alliance has raised more than $6 million of its roughly $6.5 million goal, and this project is being funded by donations earmarked solely for this effort. Subsequent to the Dwares’ gift, other generous donors have also contributed to the funding, which has led to additional naming opportunities.

“Our community is so fortunate to have so many members who support us in all of our endeavors,” said Jeffrey Savit, president and CEO of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. “Their caring and philanthropy are boundless. When people enter the newly renovated Dwares JCC, they will know that the Jewish community was responsible for providing such a modernized facility that will be welcoming and accessible to one and all.” Savit reassured readers that no money from the Alliance operating budget or money that would have otherwise been allocated elsewhere is being used or will ever be used in the renovations.

Savit added, “I am so excited with all the progress, and although the building will quietly reopen this winter, there will be a grand community dedication in late May.”

To support the Dwares JCC Capital Campaign, visit jewishallianceri.org. Additionally, naming opportunities present a unique chance for individuals, families and businesses to write a chapter in greater Rhode Island’s Jewish history. For information on becoming part of the Dwares’ JCC legacy for generations to come, contact Trine Lustig, vice president of philanthropy, at 401-421-4111, ext. 223, or tlustig@jewishallianceri.org.

KARA MARZIALI is the director of communications for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.