Temple Israel
Vision Plan

Founded in 1854, Temple Israel moved to its current site on Boston’s Riverway in 1927 and constructed a new Meeting House, followed by an education wing in 1954, and a sanctuary and adjacent atrium entrance in 1974. Annum was engaged by the Temple’s “Inventing Our Future” committee to review and assess existing conditions, develop a program of needs, and create an architectural vision for renovation and expansion for the Temple building complex and site.

The proposed Vision Plan focuses on people, programs, and experiences centered around worship and community, while addressing sustainability, accessibility, security, and revenue generation. It highlights eight specific transformation initiatives ranging in scope from changes to finishes, colors, lighting, and furnishings to repurposing of spaces to building additions. Together, along with preliminary phasing and order-of-magnitude cost estimates, they form a comprehensive Vision Plan for the Temple Israel congregation that will increase the sense of welcome and belonging while providing comfortable, vibrant venues, as well as opportunities for new directions.