Building a New Spertus
Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies new facility officially opened to the public Friday, November 30, 2007.
Photo by William Zbaren.
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 its 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 and Lake Michigan
- A children's center designed by Redmoon Theater Artistic Director Jim Lasko
- A kosher café managed by Wolfgang Puck Catering, who will also provide special event catering for Spertus and rental events
- A more comprehensive gift shop with a special section for children
In addition, the new building includes state-of-the-art storage capabilities to provide responsible care for the collections of Spertus Museum, the Asher Library, and the Chicago Jewish Archives.
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 will optimize 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.
Modulating the scale of the building, the glass folds relate the Spertus façade to the numerous bays windows, cornices, and other projections found along South Michigan Avenue. The average size of each of the façade's individual panes of glass is consistent with the standard size of the windows in the neighboring buildings.
A recessed entry space creates welcoming protection at the street level. Rather than a traditional cornice, the top of the Spertus façade extends skyward, representing that the pursuit of understanding is infinite.
Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin called the design "boldly innovative" and "skillfully done" and wrote, "The building will strike a remarkable balance between respecting the row and making a powerful contemporary statement."
Will the building be environmentally responsible?
The new Spertus facility is a model of environmental sustainability, applying energy-saving new 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 developing high-performance, sustainable buildings.
Environmental elements of the new facility 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, lighting systems, and water efficiency.
The conscientious and careful planning embodies the Jewish tenets of Bal Tashchit (not destroy or waste) and Tikkun Olam (repair of the world).
How big is the new building?
The new Spertus facility is approximately double the square footage (approximately 155,000 gross sq. ft. as compared to approximately 75,000 sq. ft. currently), even though the sites are roughly the same size. The new building maximizes 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.
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 allows 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 Spertus' former 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.
Will there be parking?
Not directly on site, although there will continue to be discount arrangements with nearby parking facilities.
What is 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.
Questions?
Contact Beth Silverman, The Silverman Group, at 312.932.9953 or beth@silvermangroupchicago.com.
Current as of July 2008
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