Tree of Life zoning hearing scheduled for Dec. 1
The new building will include a footprint of 33,964 square feet.
The project to reimagine and renovate the Tree of Life building will face its first challenge on Dec. 1 during a City of Pittsburgh Department of City Planning Zoning Board of Adjustments hearing.
In paperwork filed by Daniel Rothschild, a principal at local architectural firm Rothschild Doyno Collaborative, the firm seeks approval for partial demolition on the site, a new addition and a renovation to the existing Tree of Life synagogue.
The filing asks for a special exception for expanded use as a religious assembly with consideration for a minor reduction of the setbacks.
According to information filed as part of the request, the Tree of Life sanctuary on the corner of Shady and Wilkins avenues will be retained, but the original building and social hall on Wilkins Avenue will be removed.
The new building will include a footprint of 33,964 square feet, 2,327 fewer square feet than the original building. The design also includes a sloped “Path of Light” that, at its apex, will be approximately 17 feet higher than the original building.
Rothschild Doyno Collaborative is working with lead architect Studio Libeskind. PJC
—David Rullo
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