Temple Beth Israel Historical Renovation Heritage Park Victorian Village

Project Description

This Design-Bid-Build project focused on the complete renovation of San Diego’s first synagogue, originally constructed in 1889. The renovation included structural repairs and seismic upgrades to bring the historic building up to current building codes. Initially, the building was in extremely poor condition with significant uncertainties about its structural integrity. Upon examination, it was found that the exterior walls had bowed three inches in the center and some ceiling beams were sagging badly. Specialized construction techniques were employed to correct these issues effectively while preserving the building’s historical appearance and minimizing costs for the owner.

A critical component of the renovation involved cutting the structure into two sections to facilitate its relocation from downtown to its current location in Heritage Park. The restoration work included stabilizing the foundation, installing new electrical systems, and concealing fire sprinklers within architectural box beams. Additionally, the project required feathering existing redwood and hardwood floors and wall finishes at the separation points, installing new finish carpentry and millwork, completely restoring or replacing stained-glass windows, adding new period-appropriate door hardware, restoring pews, and applying new paint finishes.

Project Location: San Diego, CA

Delivery Method: Design-Bid-Build

Owner: County of San Diego

Value: $266,880

Square Footage: 6,500 sq.ft.

Market: Government/Public Works