PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Carolyn Rafaelian donated the historic and vacant Temple Beth El building to the Center for Southeast Asians Thursday. The donation of the Board Street property is the first step in the transformation of the former synagogue into a new community center, according to a statement. The building, which is included in the National Register of Historic Places, has been vacant since 2006 when the synagogue officially closed. “Temple Beth El is a special building that needs a very special concept to bring it back to life to once again serve the community,” said Rafaelian. “That is why I am donating the building to the Center for Southeast Asians to renovate into a new community center that will provide critical services and a beautiful gathering place for the greater Providence community.” “We are humbled by the donation of Temple Beth El, a truly beautiful and historic building,” said Channavy Chhay, Executive Director of the Center for Southeast Asians. “We understand how important this building is to the South Providence community, and that is why we are committed to renovating Temple Beth El into a beautiful new community center that will serve the residents of greater Providence.” With the building now having changed hands, the Center for Southeast Asians will seek to raise $16 million for the structure’s restoration and renovation. The project is expected to take five years to complete. Categories: News, Providence, Rhode Island