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JCC breaks ground on $15 million renovation project
BY DOUGLAS J. GUTH
Senior Staff Reporter
Friday was a great day for a groundbreaking at The Mandel Jewish Community Center. Amid sunny skies and 70-degree temperatures, a gathering of Jewish and civic community leaders witnessed the kickoff of the center’s $15 million renovation and expansion project.
On hand were Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland leaders Stephen Hoffman and Harley Gross, JCC representatives Michael Hyman and Darrell Young, and local mayors Merle Gorden (Beachwood) and Earl Leiken (Shaker Heights).
The guests of honor were the Mandel brothers, Jack, Joe and Mort, whose $13.5 million gift from The Mandel Foundation served as the major funding for the project. The JCC will raise the remaining $1.5 million from foundations and individual donors.
Much of the 130,000 square-foot building will be updated, including public and informal meeting spaces along with fitness and recreation facilities. The JCC will remain open throughout the multiphase construction project.
Hyman, Gross, Young, Gorden and the Mandels addressed those gathered in the crowded Mandel Community Room before the official groundbreaking. JCC executive director Hyman thanked the brothers for their generosity in continuing to make the center a “focal point” for the Jewish community in tough economic times.
The Mandels later received a standing ovation from the audience as they approached the podium.
Mort Mandel said he is happy to support the 24-year-old facility in its much-needed makeover. He believes the JCC still plays an important role in building a cohesive Jewish community.
“It’s about bringing Jewish people together in a Jewish atmosphere,” Mandel said. “That connection only makes us stronger.”
A photo gallery from Friday’s groundbreaking is available under the “Your Community” section of www.clevelandjewishnews.com. Simply click the “more galleries” link to view the pictures. See additional coverage of the JCC’s groundbreaking event in the 5/22 CJN.
dguth@cjn.org
On hand were Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland leaders Stephen Hoffman and Harley Gross, JCC representatives Michael Hyman and Darrell Young, and local mayors Merle Gorden (Beachwood) and Earl Leiken (Shaker Heights).
The guests of honor were the Mandel brothers, Jack, Joe and Mort, whose $13.5 million gift from The Mandel Foundation served as the major funding for the project. The JCC will raise the remaining $1.5 million from foundations and individual donors.
Much of the 130,000 square-foot building will be updated, including public and informal meeting spaces along with fitness and recreation facilities. The JCC will remain open throughout the multiphase construction project.
Hyman, Gross, Young, Gorden and the Mandels addressed those gathered in the crowded Mandel Community Room before the official groundbreaking. JCC executive director Hyman thanked the brothers for their generosity in continuing to make the center a “focal point” for the Jewish community in tough economic times.
The Mandels later received a standing ovation from the audience as they approached the podium.
Mort Mandel said he is happy to support the 24-year-old facility in its much-needed makeover. He believes the JCC still plays an important role in building a cohesive Jewish community.
“It’s about bringing Jewish people together in a Jewish atmosphere,” Mandel said. “That connection only makes us stronger.”
A photo gallery from Friday’s groundbreaking is available under the “Your Community” section of www.clevelandjewishnews.com. Simply click the “more galleries” link to view the pictures. See additional coverage of the JCC’s groundbreaking event in the 5/22 CJN.
dguth@cjn.org
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