Racanelli Construction Co. completes $7.9 million Community Synagogue project

Racanelli Construction Company, Inc., a third-generation construction management, general contractor and design/build resource for commercial, industrial, retail, medical, pre-engineered and multifamily housing projects, announced the completion of an extensive project for the Community Synagogue located in the Sands Point section. The project, for which Racanelli served as the construction manager, consisted of a new 14,400 s/f structure being used for the synagogue's Early Child Care wing; a 2,300 s/f Multi-Purpose Room; and the addition of 80 s/f to the synagogue's existing kitchen service area. What made the project unique was that these new additions were joined to the synagogue's three-story Gold Coast mansion. Originally built in 1926, this original Tudor-style mansion was transported from England in 1930 and rebuilt on the site. Part of the former Christian Holmes Estate, the mansion earned the nickname "The Chimneys" due to its 17 chimneys. The Community Synagogue purchased the property as a result of a landmark decision by the New York Court of Appeals in 1955. Its growth prompted the mansion's expansion and renovation. The Early Child Care wing constructed by Racanelli consists of a two-story structural steel and masonry structure which ties into the existing Tudor mansion on the south elevation. The classrooms in the existing second and third floors were connected to the new classroom structure to create a natural flow for the synagogue's educational facilities. To maintain the historical integrity of the existing building, the original finish in the existing building had to be preserved, maintained and restored in the final process. The mansion's original dining room and adjacent entry hallway were combined to create a smaller worship space which accommodates 140 people. The new multi-purpose room is adjoined to the mansion's existing congregation hall. This room, which accommodates 160 people, features an operable partition that enables the room to be divided into two smaller spaces when needed. The room is also equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment that can be applied for the synagogue's religious services held in the congregational hall. In addition to its use for private parties and lectures, the new multi-purpose room is serving as an overflow space for the synagogue's high holidays when the congregational hall is fully-occupied. The new kitchen service area provides the synagogue with additional storage and food preparation space. Dan O'Keefe served as Racanelli's project manager for the Community Synagogue project, which was valued at approximately, $7.9 million.