Enriching Action
Renovation/expansion augments top quality resources at Mandel Jewish Community Center

By John Elliott

The Mandel Jewish Community Center (“The J”), one of the pre-eminent fitness, community, child and family-centered institutions in Greater Cleveland, now enters a new phase of service with the completion of the renovation and expansion of its 132,000-square-foot facility. The J, located at the northeast intersection of South Woodland and Richmond Roads in Beachwood and named in honor of long-time donors, the Mandel brothers, offers a dramatic new, state-of-the-art fitness center as well as renovated indoor and outdoor aquatics centers.

Additional highlights of the project include a four-court gymnasium and elevated indoor running track, which were both enlarged. Newly renovated men’s and women’s locker rooms offer deluxe amenities, including steam rooms and saunas, and an all-new family locker room boasts five fully accessible private changing rooms. Infrastructure repairs and replacements were added, such as new mechanical and electrical systems, new fire safety and security systems, and a new roof.

Phase 2 is currently underway and expected to be completed in Spring 2012. Already completed is the Phase 2 renovation of the Early Childhood wing and its indoor and outdoor spaces, improved classrooms and kitchen and enhanced safety and security features. Transformation of the Rzepka fitness wing into dedicated yoga and Pilates studios and upgraded administrative offices are also completed. Still to come in Phase 2 is the renovation of the Simon and Rose Mandel Community Room, the Treuhaft Conference Center and the Stonehill Auditorium. Other welcome changes include a new airy and open staircase, infrastructure repairs and Wi-Fi access in many areas throughout the building.

Mandel Foundation steps forward
Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel of the Mandel Foundation, provided $16 million of the total $18 million for the project.

“We are profoundly grateful to the Mandel family and its foundation for their generosity and commitment to our mission of building a strong and connected Jewish community for generations to come,” says Jeanne Tobin, Mandel JCC board president. “This renovation strengthens our ability to be a gathering place for the Jewish community of Cleveland. The J’s goal for the renovation was to better serve the community by providing opportunities to enjoy learning, leisure, recreation, arts, culture, sports and fitness, all within a vibrant and welcoming Jewish setting and we think we have definitely succeeded.”

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