UPDATE: Jan. 22, 2015: Downtown Synagogue Renovation gets a $350,000 boost from the William Davison Foundation.

Additionally for every two dollars pledged Davison will kick in two more dollars up to $100,000 as reported by modelD. I also believe they had a previous successful crowd-funding drive that my have another $100K.

It will be great to see this historic synagogue, the only City of Detroit Synagogue to endure, and be a part of the Capitol Park area renaissance.

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Changing times and population movement left the Isaac Agree Memorial Society aka the Downtown Synagogue as the last remaining active synagogue inside the City of Detroit, its numbers diminishing and future uncertain. More at the Lost Synagogues of Detroit website.



Located in an interesting pie-shaped former department store on Griswold at Clifford, the Downtown Synagogue has been experiencing a revitalization driven by energetic young members committed to the preserving the site, reviving its neighborhood and city.



Approached from the south, one passes by the exotically-interesting next-door Cafe D'Mongo's whose presence fits nicely with the youthful membership and its activities.



By vigorously recruiting new like-minded members, a younger contingent assumed positions on the synagogue's board and moved the congregation in a new direction by recruiting involved youth and vigorously organizing events to highlight its presence. They also re-positioned the formerly Conservative shul to an open stance, welcoming all from Reform to Orthodox and opening its doors of worship to everyone, regardless of faith.

"We're a younger, more secular generation," [Leor] Barak says, "We saw this as an opportunity to revitalize Detroit and reconnect with Judaism." [From MetroTimes article by SallyAnn Price]



Located just off the Capitol Park, site of the first Capitol of Michigan and formerly a posh shopping district, the neighborhood has passed through decades of decay and abandonment. The future is now brightening as the park, which had been used as primarily a bus exchange point, is being renovated. Bus traffic is now diverted to new Rosa Park transit center and the recent restoration of the adjacent Book Cadillac Hotel has added impetus to the area’s renewal. Surrounded by magnificent architecture exemplified here by the Farwell Building [center] its opportunities for full revival are encouraging.



Looking south from the synagogue, the new loft spaces at Clark Lofts [nine story white building to left], the high-rising orange brick David Stott tower and the Chamber Commerce Building in front of it underline the elegance of this downtown district.



After sundown last Saturday, the synagogue participated in a block party event with Café D’Mongo and LOVELAND Micro-Real Estate dubbed “The Big Inch Party”. Details here.



With doors opened wide I took the opportunity to explore this intriguing place. To the left as you enter is a social space where visitors lounged and an artist labored on a large scale art work.



To the right Detroit-made beverages were offered - MotorCity Brewing beer and Valentine Vodka Bloody Mary’s.



The stairs to the second floor opened to a foyer space where the building’s distinct colored windows bathe it in colored light.



Opposite is the sanctuary which was found to be in excellent condition. Power lines strewn on the floor lead to projectors manned by Dan Land and Gabe Hall who were casting light show projections on the colored windows.





Detail of the bimah.



The upper two floors are vacant and in disrepair, yet are fascinating and very attractive for their large windows and angles. Restoration of the entire building, which could run north of a half million, foresees conversion of those floors into income-generating spaces.



The block party roared on into the warm summer night and overflowed into Café D’Mongo's and onto the street.



Let’s hope and pray for the continued success of the Downtown Synagogue, Capitol Park and our beloved Detroit! Tikkun Olam, Hebrew phrase that means "repairing the world", fits perfectly here.