The historic Jerusalem Temple, led by Pastor Randy Craighead, announced last week that the building would undergo a $17.5 million restoration and open as a new worship center for the Church of King in 2019.

Last week, former NBA Hornets owner George Shinn announced a $7.5 million gift toward the restoration.

The building at 1137 St. Charles has been unused for years.

Built in 1918, the Jerusalem Temple building was designed by architect Emile Weil. The Middle Eastern design was inspired by the building’s original owners, the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (more commonly known as the Shriners). The Jerusalem Temple was the site of many debutante parties, medical school events, Mardi Gras balls and Shriner circuses and has a rich history in the New Orleans community.

Construction  of  the  56,000-square-foot  building  is  projected  to  begin  in  October  2018  with  services  being  offered  Fall  2019.  The  building’s  renovation  will  include  a  first  floor  foyer  area,  first  floor  commons,  King’s  Kids  K-5  area,  area  for  children  3-4  years  old,  youth  area,  café,  second  floor  foyer  area,  second  floor  commons  and  state  of  the  art  worship  center  and  will  be  able  to  accommodate  over  4000  people  per  weekend  with  multiple  services.

Richard Kravet is the architect on the project. F.H. Myers Construction Co., also based in New Orleans, is the general contractor.