Beth Tfiloh Congregation & School | New Lower School

Beth Tfiloh Lower School was delivered by Lewis Contractors through a collaborative CM at Risk delivery approach, with the firm joining the project team early in design development to guide scope, cost, and constructability decisions. From the outset, Lewis Contractors provided comprehensive preconstruction services including detailed cost modeling, schedule development, constructability reviews, and extensive value engineering to align program goals with an aggressive timeline and budget.

The project involved construction of a new Lower School facility designed to support modern educational programming while maintaining a welcoming and durable institutional character. The building features a structural steel frame with a contemporary exterior palette of metal panel systems, curtain wall, and masonry. Interior construction included high‑quality millwork, solid surfacing, durable floor finishes, and specialized acoustical treatments throughout. Hallways and common areas incorporated advanced acoustic ceiling systems to support learning environments with high daily occupancy and activity.

Although LEED certification was not pursued, sustainability remained a key design and construction consideration. Lewis Contractors coordinated installation of high‑efficiency mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, low‑E glazing, and building layouts that maximize daylighting throughout instructional and common spaces. These strategies improved energy performance and occupant comfort without adding unnecessary complexity or cost.

Program spaces within the Beth Tfiloh Lower School were carefully sequenced and constructed to meet the needs of students and faculty, including classrooms, multipurpose rooms, wet and dry laboratories, administrative offices with conference rooms, and a new dining area with servery, kitchen, and warming stations. Exterior improvements included new on‑site parking and extensive site work, including retaining walls, requiring careful coordination between building and civil scopes.

Throughout construction, Lewis Contractors worked closely with the project architect and trade partners to maintain schedule discipline and quality control. The 13‑month construction duration was completed two months ahead of the original aggressive schedule, with significant cost savings returned to the Owner—demonstrating the value of early contractor involvement, disciplined planning, and hands‑on construction management.