Freeman Center for Jewish Life | Scharf Commons

Location

The Freeman Center

Room Type

Multipurpose Room

Room Uses

Receptions

Capacity

175

The standard setup for Scharf Commons is an open space. This area can be setup a variety of other ways (reception with cocktail tables, exhibit hall) but prior approval must be received first.  

Rates

Freeman Center Fees and Charges for Students 

Space 

Cost 

Levenson – Lerner Sanctuary 

$190 

Scharf Commons 

$240 

Dining Room 

$315 

Scharf Commons & Dining Room Together 

$575 

Entire Building: Four Hour Block 

$650 

Entire Building: Eight Hour Block 

$900 

 

 

Other Fees 

 

Easel 

$15 

Easel Pad 

$5 

Lectern with Microphone 

$25 

LCD Projector - Sanctuary 

$150 

LCD Projector – Dining Room 

$75 

Security 

$40/hour  

Room Rate includes: room, chairs, tables, housekeeping, setup/strike; client responsible for linen 

 

Freeman Center Fees and Charges for Departments 

Space 

Cost 

Levenson – Lerner Sanctuary 

$560 

Scharf Commons 

$700 

Dining Room 

$950 

Scharf Commons & Dining Room Together 

$1,725 

Entire Building: Four Hour Block 

$1,900 

Entire Building: Eight Hour Block 

$2,700 

 

 

Other Fees 

 

Easel 

$15 

Easel Pad 

$5 

Lectern with Microphone 

$25 

LCD Projector - Sanctuary 

$150 

LCD Projector – Dining Room 

$75 

Security 

$40/hour  

Room Rate includes: room, chairs, tables, housekeeping, setup/strike; client responsible for linen 

 

Freeman Center Fees and Charges for External Clients 

Space 

Cost 

Levenson – Lerner Sanctuary 

$750 

Scharf Commons 

$940 

Dining Room 

$1,265 

Scharf Commons & Dining Room Together 

$2,300 

Entire Building: Four Hour Block 

$2,530 

Entire Building: Eight Hour Block 

$3,680 

 

 

Other Fees 

 

Easel 

$15 

Easel Pad 

$5 

Lectern with Microphone 

$25 

LCD Projector - Sanctuary 

$150 

LCD Projector – Dining Room 

$75 

Security 

$40/hour  

Room Rate includes: room, chairs, tables, housekeeping, setup/strike; client responsible for linen 

 

Standard Layout

sharf commons
Banquet layout
Capacity: 175
Tables: round tables
Seating: 175

Room Information

The Freeman Center can provide white linens for your event. Note that tables which food is served must be covered with linens. If renting linens, they must be removed at the conclusion of your event. 

Catering: The Freeman Center is home to Durham’s only Kosher catering kitchen and is also a great option for halal, vegetarian and vegan diners. In the Sanctuary and Scharf Commons non-kosher catering is allowed only with prior approval, and all outside food must be vegetarian.  

*All clients must read and sign the Dietary Policies* 

Approved caterers: Only Duke Dining vendors can caterer, see list here: Duke Caterers.  

If the caterer is dropping off food and not staying for the event it is your responsibility to ensure all food and trash has been removed. 

*Alcohol of any kind if not permitted anywhere in the Freeman Center* 

Vendor Schedule: It is important for the Freeman center to know if you are using other vendors (décor, linen, etc.) and when these vendors will be arriving. Please share your schedule of vendor deliveries and pick-ups with CES staff.  

Third party rentals may only be delivered the day of your event and must be picked up at the conclusion of your event. You, as the client will be expected to communicate this to all vendors including subcontractors, as deliveries must be scheduled.  

Children/pet policy: 

The Freeman Center prohibits pets from the buildings. Certified service animals are welcome. For the exterior areas, all animals must be leashed and attended to at all times. Owners are responsible for proper disposal of their animals’ waste. 

There are no childcare services at The Freeman Center. It is Duke University policy that children under the age of 18 must be supervised at all times by a parent/guardian. Unattended minors are not permitted in the facility. 

Changing tables are available in the restrooms. 

The Sanctuary and Dining room (the dining room is equipped only with a screen – the LCD projector is on a cart and is not great quality). are equipped with an LCD projector, screen, and microphone capabilities. If you require help setting up or any additional tech support please contact UCAE tech services at 919-660-1731 or techsvcs@duke.edu .  

 

If you are not familiar with the AV at The Freeman Center and do not plan on scheduling Tech Services, please arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of your event to set up.  

Duke offers free WI-FI. WI-FI name: Duke Visitor. No password required.

The spaces in the Freeman Center can be reserved by emailing: fcevents@duke.edu. Once you request one of the spaces, a Conference and Event Services (CES) staff member will reach out within 5 – 7 business days to talk through your event needs. CES staff will help with the behind the scenes work to ensure your event is just as you imagined.