The End

Eli Zazon7 Comments

Jerusalem Construction News is coming to an end. When I first began the site four years ago, I did not expect to garner the kind of readership numbers that I did. I had no idea there was such an intense desire for information of this kind, but I was very happy to be one of the sole voices providing it. I still believe that English speakers are underserved in Israel and specifically in Jerusalem and, as such, I am now writing for a new English-language local news website called re:Jerusalem.

Through re:Jerusalem I will not only be able to provide the latest construction news but all of the local Jerusalem news that slips through the cracks and fails to make it to an English-speaking audience. I will be able to provide the same information that I have provided here with an even greater amount of context. For those looking for construction news exclusively, I will continue to maintain the Facebook page for the site.

I look forward to continuing to write and inform. Thanks for reading!

The End

WATCH: The Emek Refaim Light Rail Visualized

Eli Zazon1 Comment

Despite the efforts of the Jerusalem Municipality and the Ginot Ha’Ir Community Council to disseminate details about the future blue line of the light rail, there is still a great deal of confusion about how the train on Emek Refaim will operate and how the street will look once the project is completed.

This may be due, in part, to a disinformation campaign that has been trying to derail the project since its announcement, but two new visualizations by the Jerusalem Transportation Master Team (JTMT) have been released that may help to clear things up.

Emek Refaim North

Emek Refaim South

For more details, check out the Emek Refaim Light Rail Plan and the Jerusalem Transportation Master Plan.

WATCH: The Emek Refaim Light Rail Visualized

WATCH: The Innocent Door

Eli Zazon2 Comments

Today, Jerusalem is constantly forced to grapple with issues surrounding its ancient history and future growth. This is not a new phenomenon, however, as demonstrated by this short documentary from 1973.

In it, the viewer is given a first-hand look at the very beginning of the transformation of the city’s architectural character through the eyes of its residents and planners, including Moshe Safdie.

Of note is how similar today’s conversation is to that of days past.

WATCH: The Innocent Door

Migdal HaRakevet

Eli Zazon4 Comments

If there is one name that has become synonymous with the reshaping of Jerusalem’s skyline, it’s Pei, Cobb, Freed, and Partners.

Responsible for the two towers of Mitcham Etz Chaim, Mitcham Kiach, and Benin, there will be nary a vantage point in Downtown Jerusalem from which their work will be hidden. With the recent announcement of Migdal HaRakevet, the firm expands their architectural influence to the city entrance.

Situated next door to the nearly-completed HaUma Railway Station, the building’s visage will loom above the circular opening of the transportation hub, commanding the gaze of commuters arriving from Tel Aviv via the high-speed rail.

As this building will be the first site many visitors to Jerusalem will see, it is clear that its design is meant to inspire the observer, deviating from the sharper angles seen throughout the neighborhood and even the firm’s other structures in the city.

The result is a concept not dissimilar to the twisted style of the newly completed Azrieli Sarona Tower. The sweeping edifice will stand 36 storeys above ground and will serve exclusively as an office tower, connecting below grade to the railway station beside it.

Once completed, the building will be the centerpiece of the 13 planned towers of the Jerusalem Business District, transforming the urban fabric of the area and, indeed, the city.

A completion date was not available at the time of posting.

Migdal HaRakevet