Context

Founded in 1950, Temple Sinai is located in the Chevy Chase neighborhood of Washington, DC and currently serves over 1,200 members. In 2020, Temple Sinai engaged CGS Architects for architectural services to reimagine the worship, gathering, and community spaces while responding thoughtfully to the challenges of a post-pandemic world, complex site constraints, and evolving security and accessibility needs.

Solution

Implemented in 2 Phases, Phase 1 focused on critical interior improvements to the existing Sanctuary, Social Hall, and adjoining program areas. This included a comprehensive redesign of the worship space, enhanced accessibility upgrades, new lighting and finishes, and construction of new restrooms, storage, and MEP systems. This work laid the groundwork for a more cohesive, functional, and welcoming interior experience, blending sacred tradition with modern needs.

Phase 2 introduced a significant new addition that defines the Temple’s forward-looking identity while respecting its architectural heritage. The addition houses a new main (and secured) entrance, a Temple community lounge, Board Room, meeting rooms, ceremonial stair, new elevator, and various support spaces. A key design intervention was the creation of an outdoor terrace in lieu of an enclosed upper-level meeting space. This evolution, prompted by pandemic-era gathering concerns, created a flexible, open-air venue that has quickly become a cherished space for the congregation.

The project also incorporated substantial site and landscape improvements, including:

• A reconfigured pick-up/drop-off area
• New parking layout
• Stormwater structures
• Nursery school playground enhancements
• A South side school plaza
• And a newly introduced “Contemplative Path;” a timber-framed walkway guiding visitors from the public sidewalk to the main entrance with a sense of spiritual welcome and reflection.