This 1920s
synagogue was acquired by a Church
that wanted to transform it into an
education and recreation center. However,
because of its dated design and poor
condition, a complete upgrade was
necessary to meet client needs and
ADA requirements. The large staircase
to the first-floor entrance prohibited
handicap accessibility, so an elevator
needed to be installed. Unfortunately,
the basement literally had water running
through it — an underground
stream. So waterproofing techniques,
similar to those used for hydroelectric
dams, were used to make the basement
watertight, enabling the installation
of the elevator. The next summer,
Philadelphia experienced some of the
worst torrential rain in its history.
The basement, however, didn't see
a single drop.
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