McGowan Builders tops out $30 million Lincoln Square Synagogue in Manhattan

U.S. Representative Jerrold Nadler, New York State assembly member Linda Rosenthal, the Lincoln Square Synagogue (LSS) membership, general contractor Mc Gowan Builders, Inc. (MGB), owner's representative Winston Consultants, Inc., and architect CetraRuddy held the topping-out event at the construction site of the new $30 million Lincoln Square Synagogue located on Amsterdam Avenue at 69th St. The Lincoln Square Synagogue is one of the first two new synagogues to be built in New York City in nearly 20 years, both of which are currently under construction by McGowan Builders. Lincoln Square Synagogue's president Ruvan Cohen, vice president Scott Liebman, and Rabbi Shaul Robinson; Winston Consultants president Herbert Weinstein, P.E.; McGowan Builders' vice president Douglas DePhillips and project manager Ernie Bellos, and CetraRuddy's Principals John Cetra, Nancy Ruddy, and Jeffery Rosenberg, and associate principal Theresa Genovese led the ceremonies - a custom celebrating the placement of the last beam atop a superstructure. This new, three-story, 50,000 s/f, ground-up structure will house a sanctuary space for 450 congregants on the first floor, as well as a Beit Midrash that serves as the primary place for learning. Additionally, the synagogue will feature educational facilities, administrative offices, a large ballroom for congregational events, and outdoor activity areas for holiday uses. In addition to Winston Consultants, CetraRuddy, and McGowan Builders, the project team includes structural engineer GACE Consulting Engineers, MEP engineer AMA Consulting Engineers, curtain wall consultant Gilsanz, Murray, Steficek, LLP, and steel fabricator/erector Barone Steel Fabricators. Opening the event, Scott Liebman said, "Today, we are celebrating the traditional topping-out that marks the installation of the last steel beam of the new Lincoln Square Synagogue. Achieving this milestone wouldn't be possible without the dedication, hard work, creativity, and expertise of McGowan Builders, Winston Consultants, CetraRuddy, and GACE Consulting Engineers. This will be a magnificent building." Congressman Nadler congratulated the synagogue members and the project team, and recollected on the history of the undertaking. "The congregation has been working on bringing the new Lincoln Square Synagogue to life for 24 years. Now, we have reached a major step in the completion process," he said. "Congratulations to the local community, McGowan Builders, CetraRuddy architects, and the entire project team." "For more than 40 years, Lincoln Square Synagogue has served as a beacon of orthodox Judaism on the Upper West Side. The congregation's upcoming move to a stunning new building is an auspicious and welcome new chapter in the life of the shul and the community," said Linda Rosenthal. Added DePhillips, "We're delighted to be a part of this impressive project that will contribute so significantly to the Upper West Side's spiritual life. Upon completion in late 2010, the new synagogue will become one of the most architecturally prominent structures in New York City. I would like to thank the entire design, engineering, and construction team and especially the steel erectors and laborers for their enthusiasm, skill and commitment." Herb Wenstein commented on the challenges of constructing a large, new structure located near one of the busiest intersections in Manhattan. "The construction team has addressed numerous logistical and planning challenges. These included complex permitting procedures with multiple city agencies, planning of material deliveries, street closures, coordinating with neighbors, and erection of an elaborate steel structure." Construction of the new synagogue encompasses erection of the steel structure, base building work, and all interior finishes and systems. The structural system includes massive long-span transfer beams with depths of up to 36 inches, which support columns above the lower level ballroom.