 WORK
ACCOMPLISHED
The Museum at Eldridge Street began restoration work on the landmark Eldridge Street Synagogue in the early 1990s. Work focused on the rescue and stabilization of the building, including important foundation work and repair of the building’s roof. The Project also surveyed all of the elements in the building, including stained glass, lighting fixtures and other aesthetic objects. Most recently, the buildings was made fully accessible, with an ADA-compliant entryway, elevator and restroom facilities. Funding for this work is derived from the City of New York as well as numerous foundations, corporations and individuals.
Survey & Preparation
- Inventory and analysis of artistic details for future conservation and reproduction
- Removal, cataloguing and crating of vulnerable or broken stained glass
- Cataloguing and storage of brass lighting fixtures, blown-glass shades and hardware
Rescue & Stabilization
- Shoring up of retaining wall and buttressing of foundation piers
- Rebuilding of street-level flooring
- Removal of collapsed internal stairs in north tower
- Structural repairs and new, hand-turned wooden stairway details in south tower
- Replacement of termite-infested beams throughout building
- Installation of Lexan plastic in sanctuary windows to insulate and protect
- New electrical wiring
 Structural & Mechanical
- Restoration of historic slate roof and replacement of gutter and leaders
- Structural reinforcement of balcony
- Restoration of sidewalk in front of building and installation of sidewalk bollards
- Excavation of 5,000 square footprint to 20 feet for new cellar level
- Creation of new cellar systems and storage areas
- Introduction of modern heating and ventilation systems
- New plumbing systems
- Introduction of elevator and ramp for disabled and less mobile visitors
- New ADA-compliant men’s and women’s rooms
Aesthetic
- Restoration of historic skylight system
- Masonry cleaning and repointing on north, south and east elevations
- Cleaning, repointing and terra cotta restoration on façade
- Casting, reproduction and mounting of seven ornamental finials for facade
- Cleaning and stabilizing of sanctuary ceiling in central barrel vaults
- Restoration of trompe l’oeil mural at left of Ark
- Restoration and reinstallation of more than 65 stained-glass windows.
- Cleaning, stabilizing and restoration of all Moorish paint finishes in sanctuary
- Restoration of ritual furnishings on both levels, including ark, bimah and cantor’s lectern
- Restoration of remaining Victorian lighting fixtures, candelabra and Eternal Light
- Restoration of ritual basins
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