The Design Review Board approved a revised exterior design for the Chabad statewide headquarters at 1140 Alton Road on Nov. 20, endorsing changes the applicant said were important to the congregation’s identity and to preserving architectural continuity.

The rabbi presenting the project told the board the proposed facade mirrors design cues from Chabad’s headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway in New York, a motif the congregation said is spiritually and culturally important to its statewide identity. The applicant revised plans to replace a previously proposed asphalt shingle roof with slate, extend a brick veneer across the corner module, and specify cast‑stone banding and accents to define window and entry surrounds.

Planning staff recommended approval subject to conditions in the draft order requiring the submission of final material samples. Board members reviewed material samples during the hearing and discussed two façade options before settling on the presentation identified in the applicant’s package (page a 9.6 of the submitted materials), adding the requirement that the final color and material samples be submitted for staff approval consistent with the board’s direction.

The rabbi noted federal religious‑exercise protections and asked the board to avoid unduly burdening a religiously significant design absent a compelling, least‑restrictive justification. The board’s approval included conditions requiring final sample submission and staff review to ensure the selected materials and colors match the presentation shown to the board.

The board’s action moves the project forward to finalize construction documents and to permit review, with staff responsible for verifying materials and finishes in line with the board’s direction.