Thursday, March 28, 2024 -
Print Edition

JEWISHcolorado welcomes its new home

The new JEWISHcolorado Zeff Building.

The Joyce Zeff Building, the completely renovated home of JEWISHcolorado on Dahlia St., has opened its doors to the public with the mission of bringing people together through creative, inspiring and engaging opportunities.

Construction began on the home of Jewish Denver’s umbrella agency in the summer of 2017.

“This building represents history and opportunity,” says Rabbi Jay Strear, president and CEO of JEWISHcolorado. “Yet it is what starts in the building — ideas, collaboration and innovation — that is truly the heart and soul of the Jewish community.

“We are excited to be the launchpad for many programs that make a difference in the lives of so many in our community.”

The project, which consisted of gutting the interior, creating more collaborative and common space, replacing elevators, constructing a monumental staircase connecting all four floors as well as a rooftop deck, took approximately two years.

Saunders Construction and Gensler Architects were the main teams, with support from Wells Partnership and local subcontractors.

Costing $10 million, including a $500,000 maintenance endowment, the associated campaign “Project Transformation” has raised $9.5 million.

An interior wall designed from imported Israeli limestone illuminates plaques recognizing the campaign’s major donors.

Construction was made possible by the combined lead gift of $3.75 million from Diana Zeff Anderson, Dana Zeff and Ron Zeff, the children of the late Kal and Joyce Zeff.

The building recognizes Joyce Zeff for her contributions to the community by displaying her name at each entrance as well as the new west façade.

“My mother, Joyce Zeff, was an intelligent, gracious and generous woman whose heart was always open to someone in need,” says her daughter Diana Zeff Anderson, long active in JEWISHcolorado. “She was steadfastly committed to Israel and the local Denver community.

“My sister, brother and I are so happy for the opportunity to make a testament to our mother and the community she loved.”

The formal building dedication and recognition of donors took place on Sept. 26.




Leave a Reply