By Gail Hayman Cohen 

Adaptive reuse is “the process of taking an existing structure and updating or adapting it for a new use or purpose,” according to prosoco.com/what-is-adaptive-reuse. “This type of construction often occurs when a building’s previous purpose becomes outdated or even obsolete.”

Restoring or retrofitting an existing building is an investment in a neighborhood, a community and a town. It “increases market value, enhances the quality of community and related activity, and attracts more interest and investment,” the article continues. It is also good for the environment, as it is the biggest way to recycle.

Agudas Achim, built in Chicago’s North Shore in 1922, is a magnificent structure built in a combination of styles and detailing including influences of the Romanesque-Revival style and with Spanish and Art Deco influences. The building consisted of a sanctuary that had seating for 1,750-2,200 and included offices, kitchens, classrooms, and multipurpose rooms. The building operated until it closed in 2008.

Developer and adaptive reuse specialist Cedar Street Companies acquired the property and devised a plan to restore much of the three-story building and divide its interior into 40 chic studios and one-bedroom rental apartments. A lot of the core characteristics were kept including architectural details, the façade, foyer and staircase remained and the Ark case and stained glass windows were donated to area synagogues. 

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