Temple Emanu-El

Providence, Rhode Island

RGB has completed numerous projects for this 1000-family synagogue and its adjoining meeting house and school building, from master planning to exterior masonry repairs and fire code upgrades.

The addition of an entrance and elevator off of Taft Avenue replaced an obscure side stairwell. The centralized entrance leads to renovated rabbi and business offices, library, and gift shop on the second floor, as well as a youth lounge. The chapel was relocated to a more prominent and accessible location. Original stained glass windows were removed from the existing chapel, cleaned, and re-installed at the new location. Within the chapel, finishes are in soft beiges and greens.

Metallic paint on the ceiling reflects a glow of light. A mural in Italian glass mosaic tile and gold tiles of Hebrew letters, which form phrases from a prayer, encircle the chapel walls. In addition, all parts of the synagogue were made handicap-accessible.