Renovation update: A plan in action

Enthusiasm is just one of the things building around here.

When summer J-Camp at the Jewish Alliance’s Dwares JCC began this week, the campers were not deterred by the sight of backhoes and construction fencing. In fact, the major renovations taking place have attracted additional visitors to the building. More and more families are enticed by the notion of a “new and improved” member experience. 

Last year’s programming updates generated further excitement over the building makeover. While programs were being revamped, other building changes took place: more energy-efficient fixtures were installed, HVAC units were replaced, health clubs were refurbished, new fitness equipment was installed and the indoor pool got a facelift – including a new filtration system. The David C. Isenberg Family Early Childhood Center (ECC) has also been updated, and classrooms have expanded.

“All of these improvements were done with the membership experience in mind,” says Dan Hamel chief operating officer for the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. “And I am happy to say that except for some minor bumps here and there, things have been progressing rather smoothly. You can already sense a new level of energy in the building.”

The 45-year-old building is in the 15th week of major renovations. Hard-hatted workers continue to upgrade the front lobby, create an ADA-accessible entrance, install a new elevator, and update preschool classrooms. Contractor D.F. Pray schedules construction activities to minimize noise in the ECC and to reduce workday interruptions for staff. Work crews are mindful of other areas where summer campers normally gather, so the inconveniences have been insignificant.

Hamel adds, “Our goal is to continue to offer our members the best experience possible despite the disruption during the construction phase.”

Demolition in the front of the building and the lobby areas (both upper and lower) is done. HVAC, plumbing and electrical rerouting will be addressed once other tasks are complete. The focus has shifted to construction of the new front ramp and stairs. Work has also begun on the new elevator pit and new sprinklers in the lobby areas. 

Once the ramp and stairs are finished, the new outdoor canopy will be installed, along with a glass front encompassing the entrance. From there, construction will move inside, to the lobbies, including the elevator and new staircases to both the upper and lower lobbies. The renovation team expects the front entrance will be accessible by Labor Day.

Work then will begin on the rear entrance. Other improvements the community can look forward to include a newly renovated social hall. There is a timeline in place and there have not been any setbacks to the schedule. The renovation team is anticipating that the project will be completed by the end of the year.

“The aging building needed to be modernized because we wanted our facility to match the quality of our outstanding programming and be accessible by all community members,” said Alliance president and CEO Jeffrey K. Savit. “The renovations to the Dwares JCC are indicative of several transformations within our Jewish community. New circumstances, exchanges of ideas, convergence, inclusion and a modernized community center will bring about an amplified sense of communal well-being, innovation and security across greater Rhode Island. In an increasingly competitive and diverse market, nothing is more important than that.”

The Jewish Alliance has now raised more than $6 million of its roughly $6.5 million goal. To support the Dwares JCC Capital Campaign, visit jewishallianceri.org.

KARA MARZIALI is the communications director of the Jewish Alliance.