The Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center has taken a major step toward long-term stability by purchasing its 31,000-square-foot main building on the Toby & Leon Cooperman Campus and beginning a $9-million renovation, centre leaders announced.
Purchase locks in a permanent home, leaders say
The acquisition of the building from the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County completes what organisers described as a historic milestone for the Levis JCC and sets the stage for an overhaul of the facility that has served the community since 1983.
According to the organisation, the work is part of the Elevating Our Future capital campaign and aims to create “a more modern, accessible and welcoming community centre designed to serve individuals and families for generations to come.” Completion of the renovation is expected this fall and a Grand Reopening event is planned for early December.
“Purchasing our building and beginning this renovation are significant steps for the Levis JCC, but this is about much more than the building itself,”
The comment came from Marty Haberer, president and CEO of the Levis JCC, who described the initiative as a commitment to legacy, continuity and the future of Jewish life across the region.
Programs to continue during construction
The Levis JCC emphasised that its full range of programs — from early childhood education and summer camp to cultural arts, wellness and special-needs services — will continue throughout the construction period with temporary adjustments to locations and scheduling where required.
Mark Gotlieb, chair of the Levis JCC board, said the renovation reflects collaboration among leadership, donors, staff and partners and acknowledged the excitement surrounding improved facilities for members and visitors.
- Scope of work: $9-million renovation of the main 31,000 sq. ft. building
- Location: Toby & Leon Cooperman Campus, part of the 100-acre Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County campus
- Timeline: Construction underway; expected completion this fall; Grand Reopening planned for early December
- Programs affected: Early childhood education, summer camp, cultural arts, special-needs services, wellness and community programming — to continue with temporary adjustments
What the renovation means for users
Leaders portray the project as an investment in accessibility, modern amenities and longevity. For families who use the JCC’s early childhood and summer programmes, and for adults who attend fitness and cultural events, the work is intended to improve spaces and flow, and to ensure the centre can respond to changing community needs in the years ahead.
Organisers also framed the renovation as a legacy-building effort: the purchase of the building transfers long-term stewardship to the Levis JCC itself, rather than leaving ownership with the Federation, a shift described as securing a permanent home and positioning the organisation for continued growth.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Main building size | 31,000 sq. ft. |
| Renovation budget | $9 million |
| Campus size | Part of a 100-acre federation campus |
| Reopening | Early December (Grand Reopening event planned) |
Those seeking updates on programming and construction were directed to the Levis JCC’s website for schedules and notices about temporary arrangements.
Local and regional implications
While the centre serves residents of Boca Raton and surrounding areas in South Palm Beach County, the project highlights broader trends in community-centre renewal and the role of capital campaigns in sustaining non-profit infrastructure. For community organisations across Quebec and Canada, the Levis JCC’s approach — combining an ownership transfer with a timely investment in accessibility and modern amenities — may serve as a model for preserving long-standing programmes while adapting to future needs.
For now, the Levis JCC is urging members and the wider community to stay engaged through the renovation by following updates on its site and participating in planned events when the refreshed facility reopens.
