Makom Solel Lakeside
Highland Park, Illinois
AIA Chicago – Divine Detail Award Recipient – Reading Table (2014)
Eckenhoff Saunders was retained to develop a masterplan for Makom Solel Lakeside, which includes a new center for Jewish Life, a formal lounge, ADA upgrades, reworked pedestrian and car traffic patterns, and an expanded administrative wing. The plan unifies the architectural quality of the congregation’s different campus expansions.
Phase I includes a newly expanded administration wing, as well as the creation of a lounge in the existing space that opens of views to the adjacent pond. A recently completed second phase renovated the heart of the building, the interconnected sanctuary main lounge, and social hall. These spaces were unified by the installation of new floor and ceiling finishes, a reconfigured bimah including a ramp for accessibility, and upgrades to audiovisual and lighting systems.
To reflect Solel’s building and people, Eckenhoff Saunders designed a new reading table for the renovated space replacing the original foreboding pulpit. Life safety and accessibility improvements were made throughout the facility.