Wilshire Boulevard Temple Tour

Wilshire Boulevard Temple: Sanctuary Renovation and Restoration Tour

Designed By: A.M. Edelman with Allison & Allison, in 1929.

Renovated and Restored By: Brenda A. Levin, FAIA with Levin & Associates Architects, in 2011-2013.

Tour Led By: Brenda A. Levin, FAIA, and Nan Goodman – Archivist/Historian

Learning Units: 1 Health|Safety|Welfare

The renovation and restoration of the Sanctuary at Wilshire Boulevard Temple, completed by Brenda A. Levin, FAIA and Levin & Associates Architects, focused on visible design elements and the development and seamless integration of the infrastructure improvements.

The interior coffered plaster dome ceiling showed visible signs of deterioration, efflorescence and cracks. The cast plaster was stabilized, consolidated and new castings were made to replace deteriorated or lost pieces. The ceiling was repainted, glazed and re gilded. The Ballin murals were cleaned, infill painted where needed and reattached. The cast in place concrete surround of the Rose window showed signs of displacement, deterioration, and cracking. The art glass was removed, cleaned and re-leaded for re-installation. The cast concrete was removed, cleaned, patched and reinforced with a stainless steel ring and core drilled to insert stainless steel rebar. The Sanctuary has been seismically upgraded to include new shear walls and roof reinforcing. New HVAC systems are served through the underfloor plenum and audio visual cameras mounted from the balcony position, and choir loft.

Speakers and lighting have been installed in niches to mitigate their visual impact on the historic space. The historic light fixtures have been restored. The Bimah has been sympathetically altered to provide for both accessibility and functionality for the Temple congregation.

Tour Sponsored By: MATT Construction

Photo Credit: Tom Bonner Photography