Let the renovations begin

Phase 1 underway with preschool upgrade

Last fall, Donald and Bonnie Dwares announced a major donation to the Alliance Jewish Community Center to help update and renovate the building. The process started, and behind-the-scenes work has been going on ever since. Renovations are now in full swing.

Visitors to the now renamed Dwares JCC have grown accustomed to seeing signs of construction around the building. But some haven’t even noticed the work despite the signs in the lobby. Early portions of the project included work on the HVAC system. The women’s locker rooms have been updated and so has the aquatics area. But the Alliance JCC Early Childhood Center (ECC) had remained untouched.

Now, thanks to a gift pledged by David C. Isenberg and family, the preschool is in the process of a major upgrade. Phase one has begun of what will be a total building renovation with an eye to updating all the facilities in very visible ways.

“I want the community to know that the Dwares renovations have begun,” said Jeffrey Savit, president and CEO of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. “I encourage everyone to come see our beautifully renovated pool. The women’s locker room has been nicely updated, and the men’s locker room will be updated soon.”

“Bonnie and I are thrilled to see the start of the major renovations to the center, and especially in the preschool area,” said Donald Dwares. “David’s original contribution to the school inspired us to make our gift to the center as we felt that the JCC is the most important Jewish service institution in the community, and it was definitely in need of a complete overhaul.”

Dwares also said, “I’m looking forward to the public seeing exactly what the JCC will look like in the future. It will knock their socks off and, needless to say, add a wonderful sense of pride to the entire Jewish community.”

In 2012, the Isenberg family originally gave a gift to update the playground.

Now, they have pledged $250,000 to renovate the entire preschool.

Three new classrooms are in the works. And the present classroom layout will change. Age-related classrooms will be grouped so teachers can collaborate more easily. Eventually, even the entrance to the preschool will move to the planned Dwares JCC entrance at the back of the building.

According to Daniel Hamel, chief operating officer of the Alliance, the preschool renovations will continue throughout the school year until the entire space is renovated. “We’re expanding into new space and renovating existing space,” he said.

Work on existing classrooms will be done so nobody will feel much disruption, according to Nicole Katzman, director of the Early Childhood Center. The result will allow increased enrollment in the preschool and infant toddler center. And the newly upgraded facilities will enhance the programming quality.

“I am so excited that phase one of the Dwares renovations has begun, and I look forward to welcoming our preschool families to the David C. Isenberg Family Early Childhood Center,” Savit said.

Once the preschool renovations are complete, this fall, attention will shift to the main entrance of the building. By the end of the project, it is anticipated there will be two new entrances, an updated upstairs lobby and a new downstairs lobby, enhanced security and a better flow throughout the building. The Holocaust Education Resource Center and the Rhode Island Jewish Historical Association will be relocated to areas with better access and a higher profile. Handicapped access will be much improved.

All these upgrades are designed to enhance the membership experience and make the building a more inclusive community center, welcoming to all.

“It’s going to be a better, more inviting experience coming into the building,” says Hamel.

And, as Harold Foster, facilities committee chairman for the Alliance, pointed out, “This project and all other projects included in the Dwares JCC renovations are being funded in full by private donations earmarked solely for this effort.

“No monies from the Alliance operating budget or monies that would have otherwise been allocated elsewhere are being used or will ever be used in the renovations,” he said.

FRAN OSTENDORF is editor of The Jewish Voice.