Moise Safra Center completes in New York City
By David Malone, Associate Editor
The 65,000-sf, 14-story Moise Safra Center has opened in New York City’s Upper East Side. The PBDW Architects-designed building will act as a second home for the Jewish community it serves and unite a broad range of programming inclusive of both community center and religious functions.
At the center’s base is a double-height synagogue that is expressed on the exterior by multiple two-story, stone-clad fins that provide a sense of privacy while also bringing in eastern light. A smaller sanctuary space is located on floor above. Other religious spaces include a library/study and offices for the rabbinical staff.
Other building features include a wellness center and pool, a gymnasium that overlooks the cityscape, classrooms for teens, kitchen and hospitality areas, and flexible spaces that are adaptable for varying program needs. A banquet room takes advantage of the ninth floor setback by including a pre-funciton area with an outdoor terrace. A fully retractable glass wall allows events to seamlessly flow from inside to outside.
The project was completed in 2020.
