A Modern Transformation for a New Generation at HAFTR Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway
Founded in 1978, the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR) is a leading American Jewish Yeshiva day school serving students across the Five Towns and Rockaway. As the school’s academic and communal programming evolved, HAFTR identified the need to upgrade its high school auditorium to better support daily use, large gatherings, and long-term institutional needs.
Founded in 1978, the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR) is a leading American Jewish Yeshiva day school serving students across the Five Towns and Rockaway. As the school’s academic and communal programming evolved, HAFTR identified the need to upgrade its high school auditorium to better support daily use, large gatherings, and long-term institutional needs.
HAFTR engaged Denham Wolf as Owner’s Representative to manage a comprehensive renovation of the auditorium, aligning the space with current program requirements while positioning it to serve future generations.
The existing auditorium, with seating for approximately 300, was no longer well-suited to its range of uses, which included daily prayer, quiet study, standardized testing, assemblies, and performances. The renovation was designed to enhance functionality, acoustics, capacity, and flexibility, enabling the space to operate effectively across academic, religious, and community contexts.
Denham Wolf served as the project manager for the renovation, overseeing furniture selection, HVAC upgrades, lighting, technology, and audio/visual systems. A key component of the work involved reconfiguring the auditorium’s layout. The stage was relocated to the eastern wall to align with the direction of prayer, while enclosing existing windows created a more controlled theater environment. An upper-level mezzanine and stadium-style seating were introduced to improve sightlines and increase capacity to approximately 500 occupants.
Designed by VAMOS Architects, the renovated auditorium now incorporates contemporary projection, lighting, and performance systems that support lectures, testing, assemblies, and live events. Material selections—including light-wood finishes, glass elements, and integrated LED lighting—create a sustainable, well-lit space suitable for daily academic use and larger gatherings.
The completed renovation reflects HAFTR’s ongoing investment in facilities that support its educational mission. The updated auditorium enhances the experience of students and faculty while serving as a functional, adaptable venue for the broader school community.
“Working with the Denham Wolf team was an all-around positive experience for our school. They were collaborative, deeply attentive to our needs, and ensured that every aspect of the project was thoughtfully managed. Their professionalism and clear communication gave us confidence throughout the project. The renovated auditorium has become a centerpiece of our school.” Ari Solomon, Executive Director, HAFTR
“It’s important to create spaces that foster connection, especially in schools. This auditorium supports daily student life while also accommodating larger gatherings and events.”
—Ronzard J. Innocent, Principal | Managing Director of Project Management Services at Denham Wolf
“Our focus was on delivering a space that meets HAFTR’s programmatic needs today and remains adaptable for the future.”
—Hector Pineda, Senior Project Manager at Denham Wolf