Lower East Side preservationists nabbed a big victory, as the Beth Hamedrash Hagadol synagogue on Norfolk Street withdrew its application to demolish itself. The historic building had submitted a hardship application to the Landmarks Preservation Commission, claiming that the structure was damaged beyond repair and the only financially feasible option was to tear it down and build condos. But the Lo-Down reports that after a long talk with the leader of the effort to save the synagogue, the synagogue's rabbi had a change of heart.
So what now? The LES Jewish Conservancy is once again going to help the synagogue raise money for restoration. An engineer will soon assess the building's state and they will decide whether or not short term repairs can be made to stabilize the structure, which has been closed since 2007 due to its deteriorating state. The synagogue will consider any partnerships that come up to adaptively reuse the building. However, if no viable solution can be found, the rabbi may refile the hardship application.
· Breaking: Norfolk Street Synagogue Withdraws Demolition Application [LoDown]
· Beth Hamedrash Hagadol Synagogue coverage [Curbed]
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