The Gramercy Place property, originally home to the Mogen David Congregation, is a testament to the evolving nature of Los Angeles’ community and the cultural shifts that marked the city’s growth. Established in 1925 in the Gramercy neighborhood near West Adams, the congregation first gathered in a private home before expanding. The Ladies Auxiliary raised $50,000 to fund the construction of a new synagogue that would serve a growing population of people who were moving westward from the historically Jewish Boyle Heights area.

Designed in the Art Deco style by architect David Carthage Coleman, the synagogue was built by contractor Samuel J. Fishkin in the W.G. Nevins tract, one of the many residential developments springing up in the area. Dr. Gershon Epstein, the Congregation’s rabbi, oversaw the opening of the building on September 20, 1933. The building’s Art Deco features reflected the era, with geometric patterns, clean lines, and decorative elements that echoed the cultural vibrancy of 1930s Los Angeles.

At the time of the synagogue’s opening, Los Angeles had a Jewish population of approximately 75,000, with numbers growing steadily in the following decades. However, by the early 1950s, the Jewish population in Los Angeles began to shift westward, and the Mogen David Congregation found itself needing a larger space to serve its members. In 1957, the congregation moved to a new location on Pico Boulevard, marking the end of its tenure at the Gramercy Place building. The synagogue was repurposed into the Church of Divine Guidance, a non-denominational Black Christian congregation founded by Dr. Clayton Donovan Russell. This new chapter in the building’s life continued for several decades, with the church serving the local community until it closed its doors in 2020, following the retirement of its pastor.

Faced with the property’s uncertain future, longtime preservationist Regina O’Brien and her husband, Hardy Wronske, recognized the potential of the neglected building and decided to take on the task of restoring and renovating the structure. The couple’s dedication to preserving the building’s architectural integrity led them to purchase the property and begin a years-long rehabilitation project.

The restoration process was extensive, as the couple sought to breathe new life into the structure while maintaining its historical character. One of the most significant challenges was preserving the building’s original features, including its windows. These elements had weathered decades of wear but still held a sense of the craftsmanship and beauty that had characterized the building in its prime. Special care was taken to restore the windows, an essential aspect of the synagogue’s design, allowing light to flood the interior and accentuating the clean, symmetrical lines of the Art Deco style. The restoration team carefully repaired and re-glazed the windows, ensuring they would continue shining brightly for years to come.

In addition to restoring key architectural elements, the building was also updated with modern amenities to ensure it could continue to serve the community’s needs. The new owners carefully balanced the demands of modern use with the desire to maintain the building’s historical significance. The result is a structure that is both a beautiful reminder of Los Angeles’ past and a vibrant contributor to the neighborhood’s future.

The restored Gramercy Place property was sold and is now home to JewelTree Center for Spiritual Growth & Guidance, once again contributing to its neighborhood for nearly a century.

The Conservancy awarded Gramercy Place Temple a 2025 Preservation Award.