1004 Watts Street - Beth El Synagogue

36.010209, -78.910731

1004
Durham
NC
Cross Street
Year built
1957
Architectural style
Construction type
Neighborhood
Use
Building Type
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In the publication titled, Percival Goodman: Architect - Planner - Teacher - Painter, it lists the Beth-el Durham, NC Congregation in his lists of works in the year 1955 (page 188.) Here. Wikipedia says, Percival Goodman (January 13, 1904 – October 11, 1989) was an American urban theorist and architect who designed more than 50 synagogues between 1948 and 1983. He has been called the "leading theorist" of modern synagogue design,[1] and "the most prolific architect in Jewish history."[2]

Here is a commermorative blog on Percival Goodman by Samuel Gruber. 

CT Wilson Construction began construction on this building in 2018 to expand the sanctuary, add ADA features, relocate the Torah Ark to face towards Jerusalem (East), and upgrade plumbing, mechanical, and electrical as well as the interior finishes. Weinstein Friedlein Architects' design retains the historic and religious aspects of the existing building while improving the functionality of the space for the congregation. 

Comments

Any idea who was the architect on this project? Maybe one of the Webb brothers?

Ellen,

I think this was designed by Percival Goodman, AIA, who designed an enormous number of synagogues and taught at Columbia for a number of years.

Lovely building, even if it is over 50 !

VF

Ellen,

I think this was designed by Percival Goodman, AIA, who designed an enormous number of synagogues and taught at Columbia for a number of years.

Lovely building, even if it is over 50 !

VF

Dad was the congregation's treasurer and helped to raise money to build Beth-El. He would be proud to see how it continues to flourish to this day.

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