Built in 1863 by a small group of German-speaking Jewish families, this Romanesque Revival structure has served many roles over the decades, including a sanctuary, a dentist’s office, and a campaign headquarters.
When threatened with demolition in 1971, the community rallied to save it, famously rolling the 200-ton building through the streets to its current lakefront home in James Madison Park, where it now serves as a cherished public venue for weddings and community events.
The synagogue was originally commissioned by a small congregation of 17 German-speaking Jewish families. Over the decades, the building has served a surprising variety of uses, including:
- A First Unitarian Society meeting space
- The headquarters for the Women’s Christian Temperance Union
- A funeral home and a dentist’s office
- A government records warehouse during World War II
Designed by German immigrant architect August Kutzbock, the building is a notable example of Rundbogenstil, a 19th-century German variant of Romanesque Revival architecture. Its distinctive features include:
- Rounded arches and decorative parapets
- A prominent circular window centered in the gabled front
- A striking interior ceiling originally painted blue with silver stars
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Published
July 23, 2026
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