Washington D.C. – June 5, 2026: The National Trust Community Investment Corporation (NTCIC) and NT Solar are pleased to announce the successful financial closing for the rehabilitation of Park Synagogue. This landmark investment marks the first time NTCIC and NT Solar have provided tax credit financing within the same project.
The $52 million redevelopment of the nationally significant modern landmark, designed by architect Eric Mendelsohn, will transform the historic synagogue into a multitenant arts, education, and community campus while preserving one of the most important examples of modern religious architecture in the United States.
A Modern Landmark Begins a New Chapter
Completed in 1953, Park Synagogue was designed by world-renowned architect Eric Mendelsohn as a new home for the Anshe Emeth Beth Tefilo Congregation following the community’s move to Cleveland Heights after World War II. Conceived as a modern synagogue integrating worship, education, and community life, the building is widely regarded as one of the most important examples of modern religious architecture in the United States. Its iconic copper clad dome and sculptural concrete forms have made it a defining architectural and cultural presence for decades.
After the congregation established a new facility nearby in 2021, the historic building entered a new chapter, led by Sustainable Community Associates and the Friends of Mendelsohn, a development team committed to preserving Mendelsohn’s vision while reimagining the site for arts, education, and community use.
“We feel very fortunate to have NTCIC’s partnership on the restoration of Park Synagogue. It was an incredibly complicated project and required a very broad coalition of public, private and philanthropic supporters all working together. NTCIC was critical to those efforts.”
Reimagining a Center for Arts, Education, and Community
The rehabilitation of the 70,000 square foot Park Synagogue transforms a former single congregation house of worship into a multitenant arts, education, and community campus while preserving its most significant historic spaces. The restored building will host Oberlin College’s satellite practicing arts program, Park Arts performance and educational spaces, and Colorful Minds Studio, expanding access to education, cultural programming, and community services.
The sanctuary and chapel are preserved for religious observance and lifecycle events, maintaining continuity with the building’s original purpose. The vision for the project reimagines and extends Mendelsohn’s original center for education and community, building on the congregation’s legacy of social engagement by opening the site to broader public use while preserving a place for Jewish life.
Park Arts will operate the worship and assembly spaces as performance, event, and community venues, including the historic sanctuary, ballroom, Miller Chapel, library, and select classroom and performance areas. Oberlin College will establish a satellite campus for the Bachelor of Fine Arts portion of its BA/BFA double degree program, continuing the building’s historic educational function.
The project also includes Colorful Minds Studio, which will provide arts programming for adults with developmental disabilities, supporting creative expression, inclusion, and community connection through structured artmaking.
Preservation and Sustainability Working Together
The rehabilitation enhances both the building and its surrounding 28‑acre campus, improving public access and long‑term environmental performance. Site improvements include new walking trails and a footbridge across the ravine, expanding access to the landscape surrounding the synagogue.
The project incorporates a geothermal heating and cooling system and major improvements to the building’s thermal envelope, reducing energy use while supporting the long‑term preservation of this nationally significant historic structure.
“Historic preservation is inherently sustainable, and the revitalization of Park Synagogue demonstrates how reinvesting in existing buildings can reduce environmental impact while extending their life. By pairing preservation with modern energy efficient systems, the project shows how sustainable practices and historic rehabilitation can work together to support long-term community and environmental outcomes.”
- David Clower
- President and CEO of NTCIC and NT Solar
Financing Preservation & Sustainability
NTCIC supported the redevelopment of Park Synagogue by providing an equity investment in the $16 million in combined Federal and Ohio State Historic Tax Credits generated through the preservation and rehabilitation of the landmark. In addition, NT Solar, a subsidiary of NTCIC, financed the $6.0 million in Investment Tax Credits generated by the project’s geothermal energy system.
About NTCIC
The National Trust Community Investment Corporation (NTCIC), a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is a mission-driven, impact investment asset management firm focused on the adaptive reuse of historic properties and renewable energy solutions across the country. Founded in 2000, NTCIC makes transformational impact investments in low-income & disinvested communities, promoting a brighter, more equitable future by revitalizing historic properties and expanding our nation’s renewable energy accessibility through innovative community development & tax credit investment strategies.
About NT Solar
NT Solar, an affiliate and wholly owned subsidiary of NTCIC, is a leading national investment service provider, directing capital to solar and storage projects that power local communities. The team provides end-to-end support, from sourcing and diligence through closing and ongoing reporting, leveraging Renewable Energy credits to advance environmental progress and economic opportunity.