Jerusalem Continues its Urban Renewal

The Municipality of Jerusalem, through the local Planning and Construction Committee, recommended three plans for urban renewal in the Katamon neighborhood's Chet and Tet districts, located on Bar Yohai, AlMaliach, Yitzchak Sadeh and San Martin streets. In addition, the committee recommended a new construction plan that includes the preservation of a building in Emek Refa’im.

The first plan for Katamon is for 17-21 Bar Yohai St. and 143-145 AlMaliach St.

The plan proposes the evacuation of 180 units in six residential buildings with a height of 4-6 floors, and in their place 660 new units will be erected in two towers with 39 floors, and two towers with 18 floors, including allocation of space for public needs and open public space to the north of the complex.

The second plan for Katamon is for 4 Bar Yohai St. and 3 Yitzchak Sadeh St.

The plan seeks to demolish 72 existing units in two four-story residential buildings, and to build two new towers - a 29-story tower and a 30-story tower, with a total of 265 new units. On the basement floors, there will be space for public needs, and to the north, an open public space and a system of paths.

The plans were made by architect Amit Mandelkeren from the office of o2a-studio.

The third plan for Katamon is for 28 and 30 San Martin St., and 10 Bar Yohai St.

The plan proposes the evacuation of three four-story residential buildings, which include 72 existing units, and the construction of a 30-story residential tower and a 10-story residential building, with a total of 220 proposed units. In addition, the plan includes a commercial facade and an urban square designated as a public area towards San Martin and Bar Yohai streets, as well as space for public needs, specifically a kindergarten and a synagogue.

The plan was made by architect Randy Epstein from Kolker Kolker Epstein Architects.

The fourth plan for Katamon is for 76 Emek Refa’im St., and includes preservation of a building.

The existing complex has a two-story building that will be preserved, and next to it a one-story auxiliary building. The building faces the intersection of the Emek Refaim, Elazar Moda'i and Matzrani streets, towards the Oranim intersection.

The plan, whose area is about 0.6 dunam, proposes disassembly and reassembly of the building to be preserved, expansion of its upper surface, and construction of nine residential floors above the building, which will include a total of about 10 floors.

The plan proposes a commercial facade facing the intersection of the streets, the demolition of the auxiliary building, and a descent to an underground parking lot. The plan includes a total of 25 housing units.

During its discussions, the committee decided on an allocation for public welfare needs in an area of 200 square meters on the residential floors. In addition, conservation guidelines for the existing building were detailed.

The compiler of the program is the "M.N. Meir Architects" firm.

The Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion, said, "The three plans in Katamon are part of a series of urban renewal plans being promoted in the neighborhood, with an aim of renewing the existing residential system while improving and streamlining the public framework and creating new public buildings and new open spaces for the public, for the benefit of the residents of the Chet and Tet districts of the Katamon neighborhood. The plan in Emek Refa’im was promoted alongside other plans in the area, near the light rail. These plans are a growth engine for quality of life, public facilities and for attractive public spaces on the street. Jerusalem is renewing itself and marching towards an advanced, modern future while maintaining its uniqueness and special history."