Since building its original campus in 1968, the Congregation B’nai B’rith community has greatly expanded, now accommodating over 800 families. This master plan is a vision for the future of the 5-acre campus that renews and expands their services and community amenities.
The design includes enhanced and more accessible outdoor spaces – playground, park, plazas, and courtyards – a consolidated and expanded leadership hub, a transformed arrival experience, and a revitalized and an expanded Center for Jewish Learning that includes a teaching kitchen, library and sacred space, general-purpose classrooms, tech/media lab, and art studio.
Guiding principles of the project design stem from the Congregation’s desire to foster a warm, inclusive and vibrant Jewish community on a campus that is sustainable, safe, welcoming, and accessible.
The campus is a sacred place that grows connections – to community, to family, to nature, and to Judaism.
The campus is a vibrant park full of joy, light, and nature.
“Blackbird Architects were true partners throughout CBB’s Building Dreams project from start to finish. Their team guided us through master planning, community meetings, and stakeholder engagement, listening carefully to the needs and perspectives of everyone involved and thoughtfully translating that input into inspired, practical design solutions. They skillfully balanced design, security, and accessibility while seamlessly integrating our renovation with a 60+ year old campus.
Despite the challenges of the past few years (supply chain disruptions and ongoing value-engineering), Blackbird remained professional, collaborative, and committed every step of the way – through final ribbon cutting and completion of the punch list. Their dedication, creativity, responsiveness, and partnership helped bring our vision to life. As a result, we are now working and gathering in spaces that truly support innovative programming, meaningful community connection, and the evolving needs of CBB for years to come.”
Elizabeth Gaynes – Executive Director, Congregation B’nai B’rith
"Congregation B’nai B’rith was very fortunate to have selected Blackbird Architects to guide us through the master planning and all stages of design and construction. They quickly grasped the importance of creating a physical environment for our congregation that reflected our values and dreams for our campus that include: a welcoming environment, accessibility for all, a place for worship, learning, gathering and celebration for all ages, that takes place in both outdoor and indoor settings. The completed project surpassed our expectations. There were many challenges on our journey, and Blackbird Architects partnered with us to arrive at solutions that never compromised our goals or our dreams"
Martie Levi - Co-Chair Building Dreams Committee, Congregation B’nai B’rith
Blackbird Team | Adam Sharkey, Alayna Fraser, Justin Sager, Liqiang Huang, Alisa Oberjuerge, James Kyle, Kat Seth, Ken Radtkey, Raj Gajjar, Ely Rabin, Fatima Jalali Landscape Architect | Arcadia Studio Structural Engineer | T&S Structural Electrical Engineer | Alan Noelle Engineering Mechanical & Plumbing Engineer | Mechanical Engineering Consultants Civil Engineer | Ashley & Vance Engineering, Inc. Planning Consultant | Suzanne Elledge Planning & Permitting Services, Inc. and Meraki Land Use Consulting Owner's Representative / Construction Manager | TynanGroup Contractor | Frank Schipper Construction Co.