Synagogue gets green light for expansion on Dempster

SKOKIE, IL — The Lubavitch Chabad of Skokie was given the green light Monday for an expansion of its current facility at 4059 Dempster St.

Under a special use permit approved by Village Trustees, the synagogue will be able to expand to the east and occupy a storefront at 4059 Dempster St.


A special use permit was originally issued to the synagogue in 1986, granting relief for an off-street parking deficit of 42 spaces with nine spaces on-site.

But Plan Commission Chairman Paul Luke Monday said the expansion will not draw more people to the site. The space will be used for multipurpose rooms that will provide for an “ancillary use” to the synagogue and not require additional parking, he said.

The current building occupies 5,100 square feet and will add 916 square feet with the expansion.

“The synagogue intends to combine several smaller study groups into one large room and use the remaining multipurpose room for special age-appropriate junior congregation services,” Luke said.

The synagogue currently owns 4059 Dempster and leases the storefront space at 4049 Dempster. The synagogue will now have two addresses at the site.

Trustee Michael Gelder questioned why a church was denied a special use permit for an expansion several months ago because of parking concerns while this use is recommended.

One reason, Luke said, is because the church required more parking. People walk to the synagogue during religious holidays and on the Sabbath, he said.