Twilight view of the outside of the Stephen S. Wise Temple Katz Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA.

Stephen S. Wise Temple Katz Pavilion

Developing a multipurpose center for a growing congregation.

Project Facts

Location Los Angeles, California
Owner Stephen Wise Temple
Cost $3 million
Status Completed 2017

Overview

Stephen Wise Temple was founded in 1964 in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. As the congregation grew, Walter P Moore was tasked with transforming the existing Hershenson Hall into the Katz Pavilion, a multipurpose, modern center for athletics, fitness, communal celebrations, speakers, and worship.

Indoor basketball court in the new Katz Pavilion at the Stephen S. Wise Temple in Los Angeles.

Outside view of the angular roofline that points toward Jerusalem over the entrance to the Stephen S. Wise Temple's Katz Pavilion.

1 / 1

About the project

What began in 1964 as 35 families at the Stephen S. Wise Temple grew rapidly and has become one of the largest congregations in the nation. To hold the new members, Walter P Moore helped transform the existing Hershenson Hall into the Katz Pavilion, a multipurpose, modern center for athletics, fitness, communal celebrations, speakers, and worship. 

To add to the design, a striking, angular roofline points toward Jerusalem while four bifold glass doors, each measuring 29’ in height and 20’ in width, create a dramatic new focal point on the Wise campus.

Operable glass doors also line the northern addition, opening up into the new outdoor plaza and the Shalom Garden. Shalom Garden provides an inspiring location for outdoor classes, weddings, and contemplation, as well as a sanctuary in the middle of a bustling city.

In order to meet budgetary demands, Walter P Moore worked to preserve the structure of the existing sanctuary, while installing a new long-span structure to support the existing roof as well as additional roofing for the extra square footage added to complete the multipurpose space.

Outer entrance to the Stephen S. Wise Temple Katz Pavilion.

Awards

2020 Westside Urban Forum Award of Merit - Schools