Temple Israel Plans $4.5 million Expansion in West Bloomfield

Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, which hails itself as one of the largest Reform Jewish congregations in the country, plans to undergo a $4.5 million expansion to help boost its offerings.

The 110,000-square-foot synagogue at 5725 Walnut Lake Road serves a community of more than 3,400 families, according to a Monday news release.

“The expansion concept focuses on growing our early-childhood program, ensuring our future generations have a special place to learn, develop, and thrive,” David Tisdale, Temple Israel’s CEO, said in a statement emailed to Crain’s.

The project calls for the addition of six classrooms, along with a music room, greenhouse for teaching and learning center, the release said. The expansion will also include a unique connector between the existing building and the addition known as the bridge, which will feature a 20-foot clerestory surrounding a playground area.

Groundbreaking on the 12,100-square-foot addition is expected next month and construction is expected to wrap up early next year, a spokeswoman for Detroit-based Sachse Construction, the project’s construction manager, said in an email.

Existing property will be utilized; no additional property was acquired, she said.

This expansion is made possible by “generous donations” from Temple Israel’s members, according to Tisdale.

West Bloomfield Township-based Stuart J. Fine & Associates Inc. is the architect on the project. Renovations to Temple Israel’s existing 20-acre stormwater system are also planned, the release said.

Rabbi Harold Loss said in the release: “We have come so far since our founding in 1941, and I have been pleased to witness our transformation firsthand as a member of the congregation since 1971. No matter how many decades pass, we have always looked for opportunities to highlight the creativity and heart of our community. I cannot wait for everyone to experience and enjoy these new features that will be available early next year.”

Built in 1980, the synagogue most recently underwent technology improvements, including livestreaming capabilities, which were completed in 2017, according to the release.