Seismic Retrofit Blog

Welcome to the Sherith Israel seismic retrofit construction blog. After nine weeks of work, we are right on schedule. Our design team of ELS Architecture and Urban Design and engineers Wiss Janney Elstner Associates, Inc., in partnership with Plant Construction Company, is back in full force for Phase II. Construction is taking place on the roof, in the attic, in the basement, on the north wall and behind the organ, all in locations tucked into the building interiors, leaving our beautiful and historic sanctuary intact and without disruption.

Here’s what has been accomplished so far: The organ pipes have been removed and carefully stored so work can proceed on the north wall. We have finished the hazardous materials abatement in the basement, which is now ready for the next steps: removing the ductwork and the old heating system so we can begin the foundation excavation. 

When construction ends in early 2017, our seismic strengthening will be 100 percent complete. 

You can be part of the team that is making this work possible by joining more than 400 donors who have already committed more than $13 million in gifts and pledges. Contact our seismic retrofit campaign co-chairs — Lynn Sedway and David Newman — about how you can join our historic effort.

Below you can enjoy an inside look at the construction, thanks to congregants Maurice Kamins and Lisa Erdberg, who have been documenting our progress. 
 

We celebrated the beginning of construction in April with Hard Hat Shabbat 2.0 and a rousing Shehecheyanu. San Francisco Supervisor Mark Farrell joined the congregation to mark the beginning of Phase II.

Several organ pipes had to be removed from behind the sanctuary to gain access to the north wall.

The organ pipes are being stored in the attic until
construction is completed.

The steps on Webster Street provide access to the roof.

Construction materials are hauled up to the roof to create construction steps near the dome. 

Here’s the panoramic city view from the roof.

The new stairs alongside the base of the dome are not
for those with fear of heights! 

Meanwhile in the basement the heater was disconnected as part of the hazardous materials abatement, which is now complete. That’s why it’s been chilly in the sanctuary! 

Work continues inside the attic, which is being prepared for the dome’s seismic strengthening.