Founded in 1910, and located in the Georgetown Historic District, Kesher Israel has grown into a thriving Modern Orthodox Jewish community welcoming over 300 families, students and professionals. The current synagogue building, constructed in 1931, remains largely unchanged and no longer meets the needs of the community.
The proposed design thoughtfully unites three historic buildings-the original 1931 synagogue and two adjacent townhouses constructed in 1877 and 1899-into a fully integrated, accessible campus supporting worship, learning, and community life. A new addition connects the three historic buildings and contains essential support spaces: stairs, elevator, restrooms, and flexible new program spaces.
A secure, landscaped entry courtyard leads to a light-filled, accessible lobby and an expanded Social Hall-nearly twice its original size-with a new catering kitchen to support communal events, meals and life-cycle celebrations. The historic sanctuary is sensitively renovated with updated seating, improved accessibility and flexibility, an expanded women's section, and a moveable mechitza (partition). The balcony is reconfigured to improve sightlines, and a new central skylight washes the sanctuary with natural light. The second floor also features a new Beit Midrash (study space) and library, prayer and gatherings. The third floor offers family-friendly spaces, including a lounge, Mother's Room, and secure roof-top patio for quiet gatherings.
The design of the exterior takes its architectural cues from the historic Georgetown neighborhood. The addition is unapologetically modern, allowing the three historic buildings to maintain their own unique character.
Approvals from the OGB (Old Georgetown Board), BZA (Board of Zoning Adjustment), HPRB (Historic Preservation Review Board, and the ANC (Advisory Neighborhood Commission) were required for this project.
CLIENT:
Kesher Israel Congregation
LOCATION:
Washington, DC
PROJECT SIZE:
12,500 GSF, total including 4,500 SF Addition
CONSTRUCTION COMPLETION:
Projected for December 2027
