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Designed in 1872 by Henry Fernbach of Germany, in a style loosely termed "Moorish-Islamic Revival," Central Synagogue
is the oldest active synagogue in New York City. On August 28, 1998, the synagogue suffered severe damage after a fire
started during renovations to the building. Though the fire was contained after destroying the building's timber roof,
water from the fire fighting effort caused extensive damage throughout the building. Within hours of the fire, DPK&A
Restoration Architects and Thornton Tomasetti surveyed structural damage to the structure and designed a temporary
scaffolding-supported roof to protect its interior.
The scope of the award-winning project, which utilized more than 700 workers from 70 firms, was tremendous.
The three-year, fast-track schedule required careful coordination and cooperation among all team members.
Due to the hard work and dedication of hundreds of design professionals, contractors, craftsmen and other workers,
the magnificent structure was brought back to its original glory. As the synagogue's chief Rabbi said during a gathering
of all of the construction workers to celebrate the completion of the work, this "miracle" is a tribute to the level of
professionalism and craftsmanship of the New York construction and design trades.
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