The new Jewish Community Centre (JCC) project is underway. In June, extensive consultations took place where community members shared their recommendations with JCC architects. Some suggestions were wild; an outdoor beach or a livestock farm with goats and chickens were exciting ideas but faced project limitations. Proposals like a teen lounge, café, and play area for kids underscore the community’s strong desire for connection and engagement.  

As you speak with architects, you might wonder about the intricacies of the JCC building project development. Who leads its management? What are the nitty-gritty details involved, such as who oversees inspections for signs of water damage?  

Meet Marshall Hundert, who is a project manager for the new JCC redevelopment project. He brings nearly 40 years of experience in land development and project management. As an urban planner, he has been invaluable to the new JCC project. His background in selecting sites and managing large projects made him the perfect candidate to help transform the former Boy Scouts building into a new community centre.  

“When the search committee asked me if I could assist them in finding a suitable site for the JCC, I was quite happy to help. The most exciting part for me after the selection is the actual construction and turning this old building into a new use for the community,” says Marshall.  

His support for Jewish life dates to 1979, when he settled in Edmonton and immersed himself in Jewish and interfaith not-for-profit organizations. Marshall has taken on many volunteer roles, including significant projects for Temple Beth Ora, where he and his family are long-time members of the congregation. He played a crucial role in redeveloping the Chevra Kaddisha’s downtown funeral chapel into an additional space for the synagogue, transforming the upstairs into offices and classrooms for school kids.  

This commitment to community development extended to his involvement with the former JCC. Around 30 years ago, Marshall served on the JCC board for eight years and played a key role in overseeing the building. During his tenure, the board undertook a major renovation of the recreational facilities and reconstructed the basement floor to accommodate a private school tenant, Montessori.  

In the past six years, Marshall has been developing a new Jewish cemetery, a project that is almost complete. This work, while substantial, pales compared to the excitement he feels for the new JCC project. The cemetery, as he puts it, is a location for the respectful resting of the dead, but the JCC is a space for the living—a place for joy, connection, and community.

He has helped to bring together the team of architects and sub-consultants, coordinating their efforts to ensure the project meets the community’s needs and stays within budget. His day-to-day tasks involve a great deal of coordination and time and cost management, ensuring that every aspect of the project runs smoothly.  

The new JCC will be a welcoming and secure place for all members, regardless of their level of religious affiliation. “Together with the steering committee, we’re calling it the hub of the community—the living room of the Jewish community,” says Marshall.   

One challenge Marshall, architects, and the JCC redevelopment committee face at this stage is balancing security with a welcoming atmosphere. However, with input from the community, he and his team remain confident in achieving this harmonious blend.  

The structure itself is over 60 years old and provides a solid foundation. Structural engineers, along with electrical and mechanical engineers, have confirmed its soundness. The previous owner had removed the walls, ceilings, and floor coverings, making it easier to inspect and plan for the retrofitting.   

“The building is a good place to start a new JCC. We were meticulous and made certain there weren’t any signs of water damage or material deterioration. We also investigated the site and location to confirm that, from the regulatory point of view, we could do what we wanted to do. We did all this back in the fall of last year to support the community’s approval to purchase the property.”  

Community consultations have played a vital role in shaping the project. Marshall and the steering committee have actively sought feedback from various demographic audiences, ensuring that the design reflects their needs and desires. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with a high rate of survey returns and active participation from community members.  

Marshall encourages everyone to take part actively in determining the future of the new JCC, which is more than just a building, as the project moves forward. It signifies a potential filled with opportunities for connection, growth, and celebration for the Jewish community.