Congregation Emanu-El's new reimagined home advances the institution’s storied legacy of service to its community and greatly increases its programming capacity while respecting the building’s historic structure and exterior. The design reinstated the building’s original entrance on Lake Street, which had long been closed off due to accessibility issues. The entry restored the original entry procession, on axis with the temple’s iconic 150-foot dome and Main Sanctuary. A new entry lobby leads into a reconstructed open-air courtyard, drawing visitors directly towards the building’s heart. 

While the historic exterior looks much the same, two stories of educational and community spaces, enveloped by a glass skin with bronze mullions to preserve the transparency of the original design, were added around the reconstructed open-air courtyard. The children’s play area was moved from ground level to a newly created roof deck with direct access to the preschool classrooms. The excavation of two levels below the courtyard increased the building’s capacity for offices and building services. Additionally, a new sidewalk “bulb-out” was installed at the corner of Lake Street and Arguello Boulevard, providing a larger buffer for the main entrance, and further improving neighborhood safety by slowing traffic and creating a safe passage for pedestrians.