Background:
The project is located at the converging point of Rothschild Blvd., Herzl and Lilienblum Streets. The lot features five conservation restricted buildings with a total area of approximately 2,000 m2. A 29-storey high tower is planned to be built at the center of the lot, designed by Ranni Ziss Architects. The stated purpose of the project is to strengthen the city’s historic business center through preservation of buildings of historic and architectural value, and to contribute to the renewal and development of Rothschild Blvd. and the adjacent streets. The project plan includes a hotel at the lower floors, residential apartments in the upper, and a commercial ground level, where most of the conservation restricted buildings are located. The underground floors include a service level and parking lots.

 
Project Description:
The planned conservation works refer to the conservation of historic structures on one hand and of the entire compound on the other hand. The aim is a twofold one: first, original parts deserving conservation in each of the five buildings were defined in order to preserve them the best way possible; second, seeing these structures as an integral part of the historic urban texture in an ongoing process of urban renewal. Thus, the project sees conservation and modern construction as one single effort, with maximum consideration of the unique needs of every urban complex.
The five buildings qualify for conservation due to several reasons:
1. The lots these structures occupy are part of the original 66 lots of the Ahuzat Bait founders.
2. The unique architectural style (characteristic of the 1920’s)
3. They are part of the original urban-historic texture of “Ahuzat Bait” and the old business center

 
Weissbrod House – 25 Lilienblum St.
Conservation-wise the building is divided into two wings: the façade facing Lilienblum St. and the rear wing, overlooking the yard. The rear wing underwent countless alterations and additions up to almost complete destruction of all its original elements. The front wing on the other hand is mostly original and deserves conservation and partial reconstruction. Likewise, both lateral façades of this wing are to be reconstructed as well.

 
Hillel Hacohen House – 23 Lilienblum St. & 11 Herzl St. Junction
Hillel Hacohen House was erected in two phases: the western wing (2-storey) was built first, followed by the eastern one (2-storey as well). The planners of the addition made a huge effort to make both wings matching in aspects of architecture, design and construction, in order to create a uniform and homogenous appearance. The building’s architectonic values are expressed mainly in its main façades, the southern one (Lilienblum St.) and western one (Herzl St.), which will be conserved in full.

 
Yehieli House – 9 Herzl St.

Although no traces remain of the original house built in 1910, the existing building is nevertheless an integral part of the urban development of “Ahuzat Bait” and Herzl Street. Guided by the efforts to preserve the urban texture, most of the existing building will be conserved.

Hayenko House – 7 Herzl St. & 10 Rothschild Blvd. Junction

Almost no original details remain from the original building of the Hayenko Family and the addition of another floor. However, the existing building (c. 1928) represents a transition from the Eclectic Style of the 1920’s to more modern style. Guided by the efforts to preserve the urban texture, most of the existing building will be conserved.

 
Fogel House – 12 Rothschild Blvd.
Although nothing remains of the original house built in 1910, the existing building is an integral part of the urban development of “Ahuzat Bait” and Rothschild Blvd. The changes this building has undergone characterizes most buildings along the boulevard: starting as single-floor residential houses with rear garden; continuing as a two-story building with commercial ground level floor and the upper floor used for residence. Guided by the efforts to preserve the urban texture, most of the existing building will be conserved.

Developer: Tidhar
Architects in charge: Arch. Tal Gazit, Arch. Sivan Simon-Abargel
Chief and tower architect: Ranni Ziss Architects
Development: Tsurnamal Turner Architects
Construction: Israel David Engineers, Conservation Constructor: Eng. Yaron Gal
Project Status: in planning