TLC Breaks Ground for New Addition

OVERLAND PARK, KS — It’s been a long time coming, but now that construction has actually begun, the Torah Learning Center has set a ceremonial groundbreaking for its $1.2 million addition on Sunday, Oct. 28.

Rabbi Benzion Friedman said that once the final approval was received from the city of Overland Park, contractor HarenLaughlin was prepared to begin construction immediately, which is what happened in early September. Thus far, storm-drainage, sewer and water pipes have been laid, as has a concrete slab for the 4,100-square foot building that will house a sanctuary, kitchen, bathrooms and vestibule. The new building will connect the existing home on the property by means of a breezeway. The current building will remain in use throughout the construction process. And that is expected to be completed by mid-January, said HarenLaughlin superintendent Bob Clevenger.

Rabbi Friedman said the project has been five years in the making, with many false starts and stops along the way, so he’s pleased to see the walls rising up. He noted the design by architect Vince LaTona allows for a second expansion phase — a two-story classroom building — should that be warranted in the future.

The entire project will be known as the Max and Anna Zalcman Lubavitch Torah Learning Center, in honor of a lead gift from the Zalcmans. But Rabbi Friedman said TLC has still had to take out a construction loan to fund part of the project, and parts of the building — the sanctuary, for instance —J might still be named for generous donors to the project.