Sephardic Community Center

The Sephardic Community Center is a nonprofit social service facility that offers residents in Brooklyn recreational opportunities that embody this specific branch of Judaism. The scope of this project included construction of a new 139,600-square-foot, 5-story (plus lower level) building addition that houses a new gymnasium, classrooms, offices, and multi-purpose rooms. This project also included extensive renovation of existing rooms, HVAC, and electrical upgrades. These renovations were made while the institution remained in operation.

One of the main challenges associated with this project was keeping noise levels low. EW Howell Construction Group used a vibration-control system in the walls and floors of the fitness rooms to prevent excess noise from escaping into quieter areas of the building, such as the senior lounges. This helped maintain a peaceful environment for center and staff members.

Additionally, the center uses a high-tech building management system that controls HVAC functions through computerized digital devices. This allows every heating and cooling function to be controlled from one point while still permitting each major activity space to be controlled by separate equipment. The system conserves energy by allowing unused spaces to be placed in “sleep mode.”