Kiever Synagogue

The nearly century-old Kiever Synagogue in Toronto’s Kensington Market is a stalwart landmark of the historic Jewish community there. Designed by Toronto architect Benjamin Swartz, the synagogue was erected between 1923 and 1927 at the northwest corner of Denison Sq. Park. It is now heritage designated and located within the Kensington Market National Historic Site.

ERA was engaged to lead a targeted restoration scope to maintain the synagogue’s ongoing and active use. In parallel with undertaking a detailed condition assessment ERA assisted the congregation in applying for heritage grant funding through Parks Canada and Toronto’s Heritage Grant program.

The recently completed work includes repairs to the three rooftop cupolas, wood window and stain glass restoration, general masonry envelope repairs, construction of new front steps, and the design and execution of a donor plaque. The donor plaques were designed to match the circular motif seen throughout the building, including the carved stone frieze along Bellevue Avenue, and the selected dark blue colour scheme responded to the blue palette already existing on site.

This first phase of work restores the building’s prominence in the neighbourhood and safeguards its sacred interior from the elements.