Aurora is very pleased and honored to have been part of the remarkable team of craftspeople who restored the Eldridge Street Museum. Buildings tell stories and this building’s story is rich.

The synagogue was built in 1887 during a period of mass immigration to the United States. Approximately 75% of the 25 million displaced Jewish People from Eastern Europe settled on the Lower East Side. It became the most densely populated Jewish community on the planet. The Eldridge Street Synagogue was not only a place to pray, but also a spiritual home for immigrants. The synagogue flourished for 50 years, but then later fell into a dreadful state of disrepair. One hundred years later, new generations rallied to save the building. In 2007, the museum reopened on its 120th anniversary.

Originally gas fixtures, the finish on the fixtures had suffered due to the byproducts of combustion. Aurora Lampworks was contracted to meticulously restore the existing fixtures, which include the enormous main chandelier, bimah fixtures, and arc lighting. Our directive was to use as many of the original parts as possible even if it would be less expensive to make replacement parts.  In addition, we fabricated (20) wall sconces to match the existing fixtures.

Awards:
National Preservation Award, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Eldridge Street Synagogue, 2008
National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Preservation Honor Award
Metropolitan Chapter of the Victorian Society in America Restoration Award
Municipal Art Society’s Masterwork Award for New York City’s Best Restoration Project
New York Landmarks Conservancy Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Project Achievement Award
Preservation League of New York’s Restoration Award
American Association of Museums’ Gold MUSE Award for Interactive Installation
Architecture’s Ten Best of 2008, The New Yorker
2008 Top Ten Designs, New York Magazine