Chabad Renovating Jewish Student Center

AUSTIN, TX — Chabad at the University of Texas at Austin recently cleared out its building at 2101 Nueces St., west of campus, in preparation for renovating the Chabad Jewish Student Center.

The center, which offers students a welcoming, family environment and hosts Shabbat dinners and holiday services and events, has seen an increase in student attendance. About 300 people attended the group’s Purim event, and Chabad’s Chanukah and Simchat Torah celebrations attract hundreds of people each year. “We’re looking to re-establish a permanent Jewish student center just steps away from the University of Texas at Austin,” said Rabbi Zev Johnson, a UT alumnus who has co-directed Chabad House with his wife, Ariela, since last summer.

While it would be faster and cost less to tear down and rebuild their home, Chabad is renovating the building because it is historic. Jews and non-Jews alike, Johnson said, have expressed excitement about
Chabad’s plans.

“It gives us character. It’s a house,” said Johnson, who lives in the building with his family for Shabbat and holidays. The organization will break down walls and plans to revamp the 21st Street side of the building. New bay windows will project beautiful energy into the structure, Johnson said, and Chabad will renovate historic porches on different levels of the building. A coffee bar, social area and new, comfortable couches also are planned.“I don’t want to give away everything,” he said. “There are lots of surprises to come.”

Renovating the building will allow Chabad to increase the number of and improve the quality of events held there, Johnson said.

Construction began in April and is scheduled to conclude in about a year. Chabad is renting another house in the heart of West Campus during renovations, and their first Shabbat at 1915 Robbins, located off 22nd Street, was held at the end of March.

Chabad’s mikveh, or Jewish ritual bath, which is located behind the Nueces Street building, will remain available during the renovation process.

A grant from the Rohr Family Foundation, BECO Management Properties and other donors who share Chabad’s vision, including alumni and parents, are funding the renovations.

Chabad works closely with Texas Hillel on some programs, Johnson said.“We complement each other in a powerful way,” he said. “We have students who go back and forth. Two beautiful buildings within such close proximity can only enhance Jewish life and pride at the UT campus.”

Chabad’s center, Johnson emphasized, is open to every Jewish student at UT. “We’re for every Jew. The majority of people who come to our events are not even affiliated. We have an amazingly diverse group of students,” he said. “Students are the heart and soul behind the building, but a beautiful exterior will only enhance what’s doing on in the deeper picture.”

Drawing shows plans for Nueces Street view of renovations of Chabad House, located in West Campus area near University of Texas.

This photo of a Sammy barbecue at Chabad’s UT center shows part of the interior that is being renovated, including removal of pillars and beams as well as lowering the roof.