Young Israel of Toco Hills, a Modern Jewish Orthodox community in Atlanta, Georgia, first opened its doors in 1994. Ten years ago, the synagogue realized that it was quickly outgrowing its space and began planning for a larger facility.
The new 13,200 square foot synagogue achieved EarthCraft Light Commercial Gold level certification. The building is more than four times larger than the synagogue’s original space and includes a sanctuary as well as smaller rooms for children’s groups, Torah classes and administrative offices.
The project team diverted 89.5 percent of all construction waste from landfills. Though the building is zoned for 200 parking spaces, a variance was obtained to use just 67 of those spaces since the majority of the congregation walks to services. Preferred spaces are reserved for electric and hybrid cars as well as carpools, and electric car charging stations were installed.
Building products with recycled content were used in construction and a recycling program was implemented in the new building. Lighting sensors were installed in all spaces from classrooms to storage closets and highly efficient toilets and urinals were installed in restrooms. The building features an ENERGY STAR® roof as well as ENERGY STAR® commercial appliances.
The Young Israel of Toco Hills project team includes:
Client – Young Israel of Toco Hills
Adam Starr – Congregation Rabbi
Davi Kutner – Congregation President
Eliana Leader – Executive Director
Kerri Snow – Building Committee Chair
Eric Goldstein – Building Committee
Jeremy Sarnat – Building Committee, Construction Contact
Clive Slovin – Building Committee
Jeffery Snow – Building Committee
Marsha Spector – Building Committee
Reven Travis – Building Committee
Design Team
Kyle Epstein, AIA – Warren Epstein and Associates, Architects, Inc.
Construction Team
Charles Baxter – Gay Construction Company – Senior Project Manager
Jim Pullen – Gay Construction Company – General Superintendent
EarthCraft Light Commercial
Bill Abballe – Southface – Program Manager
Cody David – Southface – Engineering review