A new permanent home for JSU (Jewish Student Union) St. Louis is rapidly taking shape in University City. Last October, renovation began on the two-story house at 8037 Delmar Blvd. Completion is expected in August when the new Staenberg Building will open. It will provide office space for JSU, a drop-in center for teens, classrooms, a homework clinic, meeting rooms, game room and a kosher kitchen.
The house was built in 1937. Before renovation began, it had 2,146 square feet of living space. In addition to the original structure, a 1,500 square foot great room is under construction at the rear of the building. Upon completion, the house will be transformed into a modern, fully functional center of Jewish life for St. Louis teenagers.
The total cost of the building and construction is estimated at $1.75 million. Major donors to the effort include philanthropist Michael Staenberg, Dr. Irving and Melody Boime and the Martin Silk Foundation. Key partners on the project include the commercial real estate firm Avison Young, Michell Wall Architecture & Design and Pernikoff Construction.
Those donors and renovation partners were essential in bringing the concept to reality, according to Rabbi Mike Rovinsky, JSU director.
“Thank G-d we have Michael Staenberg and our other donors,” Rovinsky said. “Pernikoff Construction has been very generous in their fees and the things they’re not charging for. They’re very invested in the organization. I’m beyond excited. This facility will be one of my biggest accomplishments.”
Another important partner in the project is Young Israel, which previously owned the house, and at one time considered the location for its own expansion. JSU’s goal, Rovinsky said, is provide a space where Jewish teens will want to spent time. The location is ideal because it’s within walking distance of several shuls.
“People in the community are already calling because they want to host their simchas here, b’nai mitzvot and other events,” he said. “We’re designing the kitchen to be able to cook Shabbat meals. We’re also looking to partner with somebody to offer the community a kosher restaurant one night a week. One week might be Mexican, one week Chinese, one week hot dogs, hamburgers, or Italian.”
JSU St. Louis, which was created in 2003 for local Jewish high school students to engage and take pride in their Judaism, first met at Epstein Hebrew Academy when the school was located on Warson Road in Olivette. Since then, the group has met in member’s homes. JSU works with teens to build their Jewish identities and increase their Jewish engagement. It is one of 320 JSU clubs in 26 states.
