Building a New Spertus
Frequently Asked Questions (And Their Answers)
The award-winning new Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies facility at 610 S. Michigan Avenue (just north of its former location) officially opened to the public Friday, November 30, 2007.
Rendering of new Spertus facility courtesy of Krueck & Sexton Architects. Facility will be located just north of the current Spertus location.
Why did spertus build a new facility?
The number of people Spertus serves and the ways it serves them have increased considerably over the decades. The former facility, while centrally located on South Michigan Avenue, was a renovated office building built in 1911 that could no longer accommodate growing requirements for more space and state-of-the-art resources.
What does the new spertus facility include?
The new facility allows Spertus to better serve longtime students and visitors, as well as meet the needs of new audiences with expanded public programming.
Features include:
- Enhanced gallery, classroom, and library space, for Spertus Museum, Spertus College, and the Asher Library
- A specially designed 400-seat theater for lectures, live performances, and film
- Dramatic spaces for community events, cultural festivals, and celebrations, with spectacular views of Grant Park, Lake Michigan, and the Chicago skyline
- State-of-the-art storage capabilities to provide responsible care for the collections of the Spertus Museum, the Asher Library, and the Chicago Jewish Archives.
- An interactive Children’s Center designed with an artistic team from Chicago’s innovative Redmoon Theater.
- Kosher catering facilities managed by Wolfgang Puck Catering, for programs and special events.
- A more comprehensive gift and book shop with a special section for children
Who is responsible for the building’s design?
Krueck & Sexton Architects, an internationally renowned firm based in Chicago, was chosen in 2003 to design the new Spertus facility. With their team, principals Ron Krueck and Mark Sexton are known for meeting client needs in creative ways.
Krueck + Sexton has garnered more than 30 major awards. One of their very first projects, a private residence in Chicago called A Steel & Glass House, is recognized as an icon of modern design. The firm notably completed some very inventive work in Millennium Park, bringing to life a concept by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa to create the Crown Fountain.
In 2004, the Chicago Chapter of the American Institute of Architects selected Krueck + Sexton as “Firm of the Year” for outstanding achievement in the profession.
Why does the building look the way it does?
Like the surrounding buildings, many constructed in the period of tremendous architectural innovation that followed the Chicago fire, the Spertus building is forward-looking in its design and use of materials while respectful of its important setting.
The role of light is central to the religious and intellectual traditions of Judaism, and has been incorporated into the design, which features a façade of folded glass that optimizes natural light throughout the building.
By its transparency, this façade reveals the accessible and public nature of Spertus. Furthering this is the manner in which the façade emerges from the solidity of the predominately masonry-faced buildings surrounding it to create an opening in the streetwall, beckoning visitors to come inside and engage in the educational and cultural programming Spertus offers.
Is the building environmentally responsible?
The new Spertus facility is a model of environmental sustainability, applying energy-saving technologies throughout. Specifically, the new Spertus is in compliance with the Silver Level of the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System®, a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for high-performance, sustainable buildings.
Environmental elements include energy efficiency provided by the materials being used on the glass façade, a 6,659-square-foot green roof, a 425-square-foot open-air terrace, plus environmentally friendly building materials, HVAC and lighting systems, and water efficiency. A comprehensive Institute-wide recycling program is in place.
The conscientious and careful planning embodies the Jewish tenets of bal tashchit or “not destroy or waste” and tikkun olam or “repair of the world”.
How big is the new building?
The new Spertus facility is approximately 155,000 gross sq. ft. (an approximately 50% increase over the former facility even though the sites are roughly the same size). The former facility (now under renovation by Columbia College) had a setback in the rear, so the new building is able to maximize floor space by using a greater portion of the lot and by using contemporary construction techniques and materials. The building is 161 feet tall, with 10 stories above grade and one story below grade.
What new programming is planned?
Spertus has reached a remarkable turning point in its history. Over the past several years, Spertus trustees, staff, and community leaders assessed visitor needs, studied other organizations, and explored the best ways Spertus can serve the future. There are many ways people can learn about the Jewish experience, and the new facility will allow Spertus programming to reflect this. Visitors can expect increasingly sophisticated academic offerings, degree programs, continuing education opportunities, and an expansion of our Center for Nonprofit Management, as well as an expanded cultural focus including film, performance, and a series of original exhibitions exploring Jewish expression. More activities attractive to young adults and to families with young children will also be added.
Why this location?
More than 40 sites were evaluated based on geography, cost, and convenience for users. The site just north of the current Spertus facility was selected because of its ideal location—on Michigan Avenue, across from Grant Park, near public transportation and close to a diverse range of Chicago’s cultural and educational resources.
Chicago’s South Loop is a rapidly growing upscale residential area with 2,000 new residential units estimated in the area between now and the end of 2008. Restaurants, shops and other amenities are increasing to serve those who live, work, and visit the neighborhood.
Is there parking?
Not directly on site, although there will continue to be discount arrangements with nearby parking facilities.
What was the cost of this project?
The project budget for construction and new programming is $55 million, of which approximately $38 million was specifically for design and construction of the new building. Over $53 million has been raised. Fundraising efforts continue, to finalize the building campaign and to support programmatic endowments.
How long did this project take?
The building’s plans were approved by the City of Chicago Plan Commission in November 2004. Groundbreaking was celebrated on October 9, 2005. The building was completed in September, and the opening was celebrated with a series of special programs beginning Friday, November 30, 2007.
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