Construction at Emanu El

IMPORTANT: We are expecting the East Gate entrance will be blocked tomorrow (Wednesday, July 9) between 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. for delivery of the construction trailer. Everyone entering campus during that time must use the West Gate, potentially as others are leaving through the same gate. A security guard will assist with two-way traffic, but please be especially mindful of other drivers as you enter or exit the campus.

Construction crews are continuing to prep for demolition of the temporary classrooms, and expect to pour concrete for the temporary walkway later this week. The transition to the temporary walkway is expected later this week.

Parking spots outside the reception area are now exclusively reserved for accessible parking and accessible drop-off. When those spots fill up, please use Level 1 of the garage. All others should park on Levels 2-4; Level 5 is reserved for construction workers.

Construction fencing has now been installed and contractors are preparing to demo the temporary classrooms and level ground alongside the playground for a temporary walkway to the building.

Parking spaces in front of the South Lobby/Reception area are now reserved for accessible parking only. Spaces are limited; if no accessible spaces are available, please exit and use the East Gate to access parking in the Gaylor Parking Facility.

As construction begins, it will be noisy around the cottages and the Becker School area during the demolition phase. Dust is also likely, especially during demo. The contractors will do their best to mitigate any dust issues, but please be patient and “pardon our dust.”

Starting June 30, you can expect to see the first steps for prep and demo needed for construction to begin. This will include:

• Construction fencing installed on campus, blocking off access to the construction areas.
• Demolition of the temporary classrooms.
• Leveling of ground along the playground to prep for concrete. This will become a new (temporary)  walkway that we’ll use through completion of construction.

You will begin to see construction workers in personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, vests, and safety glasses.

The first action you will see is the installation of temporary fencing around the construction area, prep for demolition of the temporary classrooms. Installation of a temporary walkway next to the playground will follow, in preparation for removal of the existing walkway in the coming weeks.

You will soon see the arrival of a construction trailer and other equipment. Once demolition is complete, we will move into full construction mode.

As with any major construction project, there will likely be some disruptions and inconveniences before the project is completed. We will do our best to mitigate those inconveniences and our goal is to keep you fully informed about what’s happening on campus and what to expect when you come to temple.

You can expect to see an update each Tuesday about the week ahead. The website is your primary go-to for all construction-related information, and we will also post updates on social media, building screens, and, when needed, announcements during services.

If quick communication of a change is required, we will use email and text to make sure you have the necessary information.

We expect that construction will take between 13-18 months to complete.

You may enter the building through a different door, but nothing else will change within the existing building until the last phase of construction when the new building is “connected” to the existing building.

The expansion project that will create the Jerold B. Katz Family Center for Jewish Learning, a two-story education and multi-purpose building, will complete a decades-old vision to unite our campus. It will expand our learning and gathering spaces, add a reception area and single point of entry for the entire campus, flexible multi-purpose spaces to accommodate classes, parent groups, lectures, meetings, life-cycle celebrations, and social gatherings and much more.

The Jerold B. Katz Family Center for Jewish Learning will provide eight permanent classrooms for the Helfman Religious School students and will provide meeting space that can be utilized for professional development for Becker School teachers.

Yes! We are close to reaching our fundraising goal for this transformative project, but we’re not there yet. Your support can make a lasting impact! Contribute to the L’Dor Vador Campaign for The Jerold B. Katz Family Center for Jewish Learning.

If you have any questions, please send them to info@emanuelhouston.org. We will respond within 24-48 hours.