Reso 2010-1597 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The Temple S'Nai Zion (A) is a one-story A-frame "praying hands" style building (Fig ,1 &2) that was constructed In 1964. In addition to the Main Sanctuary, Portico and Memorial Tower, the site design included a connector building and a meeting hall. Designed In the Mid-Century Modern Style, the exterior of Temple B'Nal Zion Is clad in randomly coursed limestone blocks, with a copper roof. The main entrance to the building faces the northeast corner of the lot. at the intersection of 178th Street and Atlantic Boulevard. The entrance Is preceded by the Memorial T ower(C) and a welcoming portico (8) that Is supported by a series of triangularly shaped columns that progressively grow from the ground up as stacked triangles. Supported by the columns is a cantilevered covered portico (Fig.?) with the entry doors at the center. (Flg.6) Slightly recessed from the portico, connected by a small covered walkway is a pair of double doors adorned with a bronze abstract star. The center of the wall above the entry doors Is a series of glass panels set on a diagonal with wooden vertical and diagonal muntins that create a pattern of an abstracted tree, referencing the beautiful stained glass center panel at the rear of the church. The Memorial Tower (C) Is a tower of concrete coated steel that begins with a wider support at the bottom, and then soars towards the sky, higher than the main roof ridge of the church, originally terminating In a cross. (Flg.4) The most striking architectural component of Temple B'Nal Zion is its roof, (Fig.3) composed of sturdy beams that extend down Into low-lying buttresses. (Fig.5) The roof creates a swooping sensation with the ridge starting low at the front of the building and gradually rising to Its point at the rear. The shape of the roof forms a triangular shape, which holds a large stained glass window behind the altar, originally called the "Grace Window. "24 (Flg.9& 10) The high peaked roof creates a feeling of openness within the interior of the Main Sanctuary; this feeling is maximized through the use of large windows as well as the multiple slits containing stained glass windows that line the side aisles. The interior showcases the materials that are found on the exterior of the building, including the limestone blocks forming the walls and wood paneling on the ceiling. (Fig. 11 ) The space seats 310 with room for an additional 200 chairs in overflow areas. Temple B'Nal lion retains a high degree of architectural Integrity and there have only been minimal changes to the original design. One small change includes the replacement of the cross on the memorial tower with the star of David. The entrance to the synagogue also features a monumental menorah. Hand rails have been incorporated on the steps leading to the synagogue with a star of David incorporated into the balusters. The original stained glass windows that line the side aisles have been replaced with clear glass. 24 . Sunny Isles Lutheran.,. SomethIng Unique, . lhe Mioml News, 2 Februory 1964. 14