Synagogue as a Real Estate Amenity?

By ALAN ROSENBERG

article created on: 2009-06-03T00:00:00

A golf course, a pool, a boat slip in the marina? Real estate developers typically depend on amenities like these to entice homebuyers.

Now, a development in Ashland is trying something different, offering the adjacent Havurah Shir Hadash synagogue as its most highly valued attraction.

Aleph Springs, located in Ashland’s Railroad District near downtown, is a new “intentional Jewish-inspired” neighborhood of eight single-family homes and a complex of six condominium units “wrapped around” the synagogue.

First reported on in the Jewish Review last July during its planning phase, Aleph Springs home sites went on sale this spring.

Aside from Orthodox enclaves, this may be the first neighborhood of its kind where the homes are intended to expand the “campus” of an existing synagogue, according to Rabbi David Zaslow of the Havurah.

“We’re thrilled to find ourselves at the center of this unique neighborhood,” says Zaslow, whose focus has been on developing relations between people of all faiths and traditions.

“The idea that everyone is welcome, and that everyone will be embraced is consistent with our spiritual mission.”

As an “intentional community,” Aleph Springs is a cousin to co-housing, says Laurel Miller, a partner in the development group. “But that’s where the resemblance ends.”

In cohousing communities, residents co-create their environment; share a common house as well as responsibilities. In that regard, Aleph Springs is more like a conventional subdivision.

The Havurah has also become a popular venue for secular concerts and other cultural events.

In fact, says Miller, Aleph Springs bears a likeness to the traditional country club community, where residents are drawn by common interests, and a clubhouse serves as the social hub. “The difference is that here, our clubhouse is a synagogue.”

The Havurah, says Miller, is particularly well-suited to the role, serving the region not only as a house of prayer but as popular venue for secular concerts and other cultural events.

Miller sees the likeliest buyers as “retirees and perhaps young families who are attracted not only to the proximity of a synagogue, but to the idea of being part of a warm and caring community with a built-in religious, spiritual, social and cultural center.”

In addition, says Miller, the proximity to a synagogue with a pre-school, Sunday school and other child-friendly events provides opportunities for residents to foster relationships with children. “In our society, that’s a rare opportunity.”

From a historical perspective, there’s really nothing novel about this concept, says Miller. Traditional American towns naturally and intentionally grew up around houses of worship, places that would often double as community meeting houses.

“It’s a sweet way for people to live, and we’re proud to help make it happen at Aleph Springs.”

Aleph Springs is hosting a “What’s New Under the Sun?” Summer Solstice celebration on Father’s Day, June 21, from 2 to 5 p.m. Call Laurel Miller at 541-973-9363 or check the web site, www.alephsprings.com.