Construction is poised to begin on a synagogue and Jewish community center in Aspen.
The Jewish Community Center-Chabad of Aspen, a 34,000-square-foot facility that will take up half a block in the city’s historic downtown, is projected to cost between $16 million and $17 million.
It will be the city’s first synagogue building, according to Rabbi Mendel Mintz, the head of Chabad of Aspen. Two Reform congregations in town rent space in local churches.
The building will house a religious school, which currently serves 65 children, a ballroom, teen game room, library, lecture hall and retreat center.
Mintz said the kosher deli and catering service will allow the JCC to host the Jewish organizations, notably federations and educational groups, that already hold conferences in Aspen.
Permits should be completed by March, he said. Construction is slated to take 18 months.
Approximately 1,000 Jews live in the greater Aspen area.
