A historic opportunity to partner with The Temple–Tifereth Israel, one of the nation’s largest and most dynamic Reform Jewish congregations, brought a magnificent new space for Case Western Reserve’s performing arts and cultural events just steps away from campus.

Construction on the Milton and Tamar Maltz Performing Arts Center began in 2014, after the university’s Board of Trustees announced that Case Western Reserve raised $59.3 million for the project, including a $12 million gift from the Maltz Family Foundation of the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland.

“Our students bring remarkable talents in the performing arts, and this project will provide them space commensurate with their skills and potential,” President Barbara R. Snyder said when the construction was announced.

Perhaps the most appealing element of the project was the way in which an iconic building in the neighborhood adjacent to campus could be improved, not removed. Members of the congregation still use parts of the building for religious observances, but the renovated and expanded space has drawn attention to the location in new and positive ways.

"The ability to keep it as a place where we can return for worship, and at the same time open it to new uses, is the best of all possible outcomes,” said Richard A. Block, senior rabbi of The Temple–Tifereth Israel, said when the project was announced.

The renovated Silver Hall is used for performances by the Case Concert Choir, the university’s Think Forum lecture series, and dozens of other concerts and events.

The second phase of construction, spurred by a $10 million gift by Roe Green, CEO of the Roe Green Foundation, adds a 250-seat proscenium theater, rehearsal space, practice rooms and technology to help performing-arts students learn and be inspired.