Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona

The square ceiling “tent” structure over the entrance lobby became this touchstone, symbolic of the biblical welcoming tent. Faced with unfinished wood, the ceiling is reminiscent of historic Eastern European wood synagogue structures; the subtle porcelain floor tile evokes the earthen tent floor. Jerusalem stone veneer travels from the building exterior into the lobby, appearing to be ruins of an ancient building. The wood ceiling became a fitting background for a local sculptor’s dramatic work of hand crafted glass and metal. The lobby welcomes visitors with a bold donor and message wall, works of local artists, an open reception desk, and comfortable seating. The north-facing two-story window wall endows the space with natural light and views to the mountains. The building height and exterior attributes, the landscape architecture, and outdoor lighting met rigorous requirements established for this scenic River Road location.

The construction of the building is wood frame with stucco exterior. The window frames and storefront door systems are clear anodized aluminum giving the building a very clean, sophisticated look. Roof fascias are trimmed with unfinished “galvalume”; window shade boxes along the south face of the first floor are steel, painted deep cobalt blue to match five security and light bollards that mark the front entry. Heating and air conditioning are provided by conventional rooftop electric heat pumps. The facility has LED lighting throughout with specialty lighting to highlight meaningful art pieces displayed throughout the building. Security, a primary concern for this building, is addressed with a secure vestibule at the building entrance, card reader access doors to private areas and significant camera coverage at the exterior perimeter of the building.            

Offices line secure corridors in wings on both floors. Natural light reaches most interior spaces through exterior windows and transom lights over doors. Small and large meeting rooms on both floors can be utilized by in-house staff, as well as outside organizations.          

An event space with overflow onto a secure patio, adjacent catering kitchen, and state-of-the-art presentation systems are incorporated in the space to accommodate events of all kinds.     

The new Center for Jewish Philanthropy building achieves the JFSA’s goals of providing new office, support, meeting and event space for a variety of Jewish communal services under one welcoming “tent”.