2012 | Synagogue

In 2012, our chapter designed and built an ADA ramp for the Congregation Eitz Chayim in Cambridge, MA. Upon hearing about the work Freedom by Design had done on their previous project, congregation member David Eisen offered his synagogue as a potential project. As the congregation of the synagogue has aged, the importance of accessibility became increasingly apparent. However, the congregation lacked the immediate funds to design and build an ADA compliant ramp. In addition, the congregation had yet to investigate the potential scope of work to make any entrance accessible.

With at least five steps up to any of the entrances, the building did not meet ADA standards. However, each entrance had the potential to be accessible, with certain corresponding benefits and drawbacks to each one. As a first step toward accessibility, Freedom by Design was asked to prepare a Feasibility Study for the congregation, analyzing existing conditions and outlining the work required to make certain entrances accessible. After reviewing the study, Eitz Chayim asked our FBD program to design and build the agreed upon ramp for their community. The project also included pouring concrete footings, installing vinyl siding, and painting the ramp upon it’s completion. Construction of the ramp concluded by the end of October, 2012.