WORK ACCOMPLISHED

The Eldridge Street Project has completed the first phase of the Eldridge Street Synagogue restoration, raising $3.5 million project to stablize the building and make it safe for visitors. Funding for this phase of restoration was derived from foundation, government, and individual support. As of January 2004, the following work has been completed on the landmark building:

• Repair of the roof, closing off water pouring in to the building
  
  
• Excavation of the cellar and shoring up of the retaining walls
  
  
• Buttressing of foundation piers
  
  
• Replacement of termite-infested beams throughout the building
  
  
• Removal of collapsed internal stairs on north side
  
  
• Preliminary new electrical wiring
  
  
• Structural restoration of internal stairs on south side
  
  
• Major masonry repointing work on north, south and east elevations
  
  
• Replacement of gutters and leaders on the south wall and around the ark
  
  
• Structural reinforcement of balcony
  
  
• Removal, cataloguing & crating of all vulnerable or broken stained glass
  
  
• Installation of Lexan, a strong plastic, in all windows, to insulate from weather
  
  
• Restoration and reinstallation of six major windows
  
  
• Inventory of all artistic details (.e.g, paint finishes) for future preservation and reproduction
  
  
• Cleaning and stabilizing of central barrel vaults on the sanctuary ceiling
  
  
• Restoration of trompe l'oeil mural to the left of the ark
  
  
• Cataloguing and storage of all brass light fixtures and glass shades
  
  
• Restoration of four brass torcheres for the reader's platform
  
  
• Cleaning of the facade
  
  
• Rebuilding of floor on basement level
  
  
• Adjustment of floor level at basement to prepare efor disabled accessibility
  
  
• Replastering and painting basement level sanctuary
  
  
• Restoration of wooden window frames on basement level
  
  
• Creation of four offices for Project staff and volunteers
  
  
• Creation of visitor center on basement level
  
  
• Creation of new, hand-turned wooden stairway details
  
  
• Restoration of sidewalk
  
  
• Installation of bollars to prevent trucks from parking and undermining sidewalk and foundation
  
  
• Rust-proofing of exterior ornamental gates
  
  
• Restoration of historic skylight system
  
  
• Restoration of historic slate roof
  
  
• Casting and reproduction of ornamental finial for façade
  
  
• Complete excavation of cellar level to house a kitchen, ADA-compliant handicapped bathrooms; mechanical system elements; storage, office, and exhibition area; and underpinning at this level
  
  
• Underground plumbing
  
  
• New fire-rated ceiling in cellar