The building you are about to tour was purchased by Chabad in 1997, at the time the Romaine Pearson Publisher Building. The 25,000 sq ft building was completely gutted to the shell. We initially renovated 15,000 sq ft which consisted of a synagogue, social hall, library, kitchen, offices and 7 classrooms. We moved into our new home in September of 1998.
In 2000 we once again realized we needed more space, primarily due to the growth of the day school. We then renovated the remaining 10,000 sq ft of the building, including 6 classrooms, a science lab, computer lab, and small indoor gym. We also (recently) completed a state of the art mikvah (Jewish ritual bath), possibly the nicest of its kind in New York.
People are knocking down our doors to get into our programs, camp and schools. We therefore decided we ought to expand, and do so as quickly as possible. The expansion we have embarked on will consist of a two story, 14,000 sq ft addition, divided on two floors. The ground floor will house a high school size gymnasium, state of the art. The second floor will house 6 classrooms and a water view, modern, interactive school library. The exterior of the building will also be totally refaced with Jerusalem Stone, arches, walkways and lighting.