Pressman Academy Gym

Pressman Academy/Temple Beth Am

Scope: New Construction

Size: 6,500 SF

Completion: 2020

Project Manager: Richard Berliner, AIA, NCARB, LEEP AP, ALEP

Pressman Academy was not created in a vacuum: it was to be inserted as part of an existing temple campus which was itself part of a larger neighborhood. In planning for the new school, it was therefore necessary to produce a new master plan for the shared grounds; this became an opportunity to create tranquil and inviting outdoor spaces which previously did not exist on the site. What was once an alleyway behind the temple sanctuary has now become a Boulevard, connecting the sanctuary and the school facilities with a sheltered outdoor plaza. A high level of indoor-outdoor porosity in the new school building also allows for many of its spaces to be used as gathering venues for the temple community when school is not in session, providing the entire congregation with new spaces for social gatherings. Construction started in Fall of 2018 on the school’s separate gym building. This 6,500 SF building is being constructed on the active campus with classes and services in session.