A Historic Landmark Gets an Energy-Efficient Makeover

Challenges

When Wright Energy Partners first engaged with Detroit Unity Temple, we were immediately struck by the architectural beauty of the building—a stately limestone structure that stood as a historic landmark in the community. However, beneath the surface, the church was facing a series of pressing infrastructure challenges:

• Exterior Safety Issues: Poor outdoor lighting created unsafe conditions in the parking lot and along walkways, especially during evening events and winter months.
• Interior Inefficiencies: Outdated lighting systems offered inadequate illumination in key areas, affecting both functionality and ambiance.
• Building Envelope Deterioration: Although the roof was structurally sound, water intrusion had begun to push and bulge the limestone exterior during freeze-thaw cycles each winter—threatening long-term structural integrity.
• Thermal Discomfort: Persistent drafts in the sanctuary, auditorium, offices, and lobby made for uncomfortable conditions and drove up energy bills.
• Budget Constraints: Like many community organizations, Detroit Unity Temple faced capital limitations that made a full-scale renovation cost-prohibitive. Each passing year meant increasing deterioration and escalating costs.

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Solutions

After conducting a comprehensive building survey, Wright Energy Partners worked closely with the Detroit Unity Temple leadership to prioritize improvements that would deliver the greatest impact to the congregation and the strongest financial return.

Our solution focused on four key areas:

• Lighting Upgrades: We replaced inefficient lighting with high-performance LED solutions both inside and out—significantly improving visibility, safety, and energy consumption.
• Insulation Enhancements: Upgraded insulation reduced air leakage and helped stabilize interior temperatures across all seasons.
• Building Envelope Repairs: Targeted work on the limestone exterior and roofing areas helped address water intrusion, preserving the architectural integrity of the building.
• Roof Restoration Support: While full replacement wasn’t necessary, leak-prone areas were repaired to prevent further structural damage.
• To make the project financially feasible, we structured the project through Michigan’s PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) Express program. This innovative financing allowed the Temple to complete the much-needed upgrades without upfront capital—preserving cash flow while investing in long-term building health and efficiency.

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Notably, this was the first PACE Express loan ever approved for a house of worship in Michigan, marking a historic milestone for both the Temple and the program.

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Results

• Dramatically improved lighting and safety for congregants and visitors
• Significant reduction in energy usage and utility costs
• Improved thermal comfort and reduced air leakage throughout the facility
• Historic first use of PACE Express for areligious institution in Michigan
• Preserved building exterior and minimized long-term repair costs

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The Detroit Unity Temple project showcases what’s possible when community commitment meets innovative energy solutions. Through strategic upgrades and creative financing, this historic building is now positioned for decades of continued service—safer, brighter, and more efficient than ever before.

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