Commission approves Congregation Emmanuel renovation and PUD modification with conditions after preservation debate

The Planning Commission voted to approve a planned unit development for Congregation Emmanuel’s 'Emmanuel Next' project at 2 Lake Street after extended public testimony that included preservation concerns and robust support from congregants.

Monica Giacomucci of planning staff described the request as a PUD modification to allow a modest FAR increase and a method of height measurement to enable seismic strengthening, security upgrades and program space while not increasing the congregation or school enrollment. The department found the design minimally visible from the public right of way and recommended approval with conditions in the staff report.

The synagogue’s executive director, David Goldman, said the changes are necessary to ‘‘build security into every area’’ and to make the building safe for children and congregants. Preservation groups and architectural historians urged the commission to revisit the treatment of the courtyard, arguing that the proposed glazed courtyard insertion would permanently erase character‑defining materials and that alternatives should better preserve colonnades, paving, the fountain and other fabric.

Architects and the project team said glass was chosen to maintain visual transparency into the courtyard and to allow adaptive use while preserving key exterior ornamentation; they emphasized salvage strategies and said the fountain’s feasibility is under investigation. Commissioners weighed the tradeoffs between preserving historic fabric and enabling necessary seismic and security upgrades. Several commissioners asked the sponsor to continue working with staff and heritage stakeholders on courtyard material decisions.

The commission approved the PUD with conditions, recording unanimous support among those eligible to vote (Commissioner Diamond recused for a disclosed conflict). Staff will continue to work with the sponsor on final courtyard and material details as part of condition 7.