Facilities Chair: John Mandelbaum   Facilities Manager: Tom Wolf

The Caspe Terrace is the Jewish community’s cultural, social and sports center built entirely from generous donations made by the Jewish community and friends of the Jewish community. The beautiful 25,000 square-foot facility rests on 46 acres of rolling hills in Waukee, Iowa, 1/2 mile south of I-80, and only 15 minutes from central Des Moines. This facility houses the Bookey Lodge, the Staroselsky Clubhouse, the Martin Bucksbaum Arts Wing, the Jewish Historical Society and the Caspe Heritage Gallery, as well as Engman Camp Shalom. (See more photos here...)

The Bookey Lodge is the main lodge of the facility, this cozy room with cedar walls, looks out onto rolling hills. The focal point of the room is a stone fireplace flanked by glass patio doors that open to a large covered deck. The room can comfortably seat up to 90 guests for a sit-down dinner or can be customized for a multitude of uses. There is a full catering kitchen with buffet counter that opens to this room as well as a separate beverage center with a sink and ice machine.

Staroselsky Clubhouse serves as the clubhouse of the facility and is appointed with leather sofas, a large screen satellite TV with VCR, club tables and chairs and features a dramatic art glass window. Glass patio doors open to a covered deck. This room is perfect for small gatherings. This room can accommodate 16 guests for a lunch and up to 25 for a presentation.

Bucksbaum Auditorium is a one-of-a kind, state-of-the-art theater. It seats 157 guests and is equipped with a complete audio-visual system including VCR, DVD, surround-sound, podium, microphones and can also accommodate dual powerpoint presentations. The stage features a professional theatrical lighting system, a grand piano and dressing room.

The history of the Jews of Iowa is beautifully displayed in the Caspe Heritage Gallery of the Iowa Jewish Historical Society. Located in the Bucksbaum Arts Wing, the gallery is a museum, augmented by office and archival space. Its display cases include items from the Society’s permanent collection and will periodically showcase touring exhibits.

Engman Camp Shalom is a summer day camp serving central Iowa for over 46 years.

The Alex Richards Pavilion and Kirsner Playground are perfect for an outdoor picnic. This octagon pavilion has picnic benches and overlooks the playground, athletic fields and orchard and is also lighted and has electrical service.