Friday, March 29, 2024 -
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Phase one of JCC renovation complete

Top: The JCC lobby before the recent upgrades; and bottom, the new lounge.Phase one of the membership improvement project at the Loup JCC, also known as “the J,” has been completed. The $400,000 upgrades provide a new look and feel to the J’s existing fitness center, common areas and lobby.

The upgrades include:

• a new design and color palette (paint, carpeting, fixtures);

• bright, energy-efficient, LED lighting;

• new colorful and comfortable furnishings in the lobby;

• new fitness equipment (spin bikes, racks, exercise equipment, TVs, towels);

• new water fountains;

• an improved sidewalk with easier access to the J’s lobby;

• a new, highly curated art collection, including a welcoming shofar in the main lobby by artist James M. Smith, and “The Mezzuzot” by artist Batya Rich.

These upgrades are intended to improve members’ experiences during the approximately 12-18 months it will take the J to construct an entirely new, 63,000 sq.-ft. fitness and wellness center on another portion of the existing Dahlia Street site.

“Words can’t describe how significantly these upgrades have enhanced the member experience,” said the J’s Interim CEO, Karla Hanlon.

“We’ve gotten excellent feedback from members and staff alike, and our main lobby is now one of the J’s most popular gathering spaces.”

The phase one upgrades will be followed by construction of the new fitness and wellness center beginning later this year, a new aquatic center featuring four indoor and outdoor pools, an expanded multi-generational family center, a renovated early childhood education center and a “refresh” of the MACC (Mizel Arts & Culture Center).

“We felt that it was important to improve the member experience while the capital campaign moves forward,” said board President Scott Reisch.

“The J has amazing cultural, educational and recreational programs and we want the quality of the facilities to match,” philanthropist Michael Staenberg said.

“I’d like to see the J become the go-to multi-use facility in metro Denver for the entire community, Jews and non-Jews alike, and set an example for JCCs nationwide.”




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