Jerusalem is undergoing significant urban renewal, with five major projects across the city now advancing to the District Committee. The plans, spanning Baka, Arnona, Kiryat Menachem, Shmuel Hanavi, and Armon Hanatziv, call for the demolition of old buildings and the construction of over 1,400 new apartments, high-rises, commercial areas, and public spaces. If approved, these projects will further accelerate the transformation of Jerusalem’s skyline and reshape key neighborhoods.

By Doron Breitman, Nadlan Center

In approximately two weeks, the Subcommittee for Urban Renewal of the Jerusalem District Committee is expected to discuss the submission of five urban renewal plans in neighborhoods throughout the city, which collectively include 1,405 new housing units. The plans also allocate thousands of square meters for commercial and employment use, public buildings, and open spaces.

The first plan up for discussion is an urban renewal project on Nicaragua Street (1–5) in the Kiryat Menachem neighborhood. Spanning approximately 6 dunams, the plan calls for the demolition of three existing buildings with a total of 72 housing units. In their place, two 28-story residential towers will be constructed, adding 350 new units. Approximately 20% of the apartments will be small units, ranging from 55 to 100 square meters, including a private room (mamad). The plan also designates 950 square meters for commercial space and 600 square meters for public facilities. It was submitted by Rom Ha’ir and designed by Bitman Ben-Tzur Architects.

Another plan scheduled for discussion is an urban renewal project on Tzipora 9 and 11 and Rivka 12 in the Baka neighborhood. Covering 5.7 dunams, the plan involves demolishing three old “railway” buildings and constructing two towers of up to 30 stories, along with lower-rise buildings up to 9 stories, for a total of 350 housing units. At least 20% of the apartments will be small units up to 80 square meters (including a mamad, but excluding balconies). The plan also designates 720 square meters for commercial use and 560 square meters for public buildings. The developers are Lavi Construction in Jerusalem and Tidhar Urban Renewal, and the plan was designed by Kolker-Kolker-Epstein Architects.

313 Apartments in High-rises in Arnona

Another urban renewal plan is located at the corner of Hebron Road, Ein Gedi Street, and Shalom Yehuda Street in the Arnona neighborhood. The pinui-binui plan, which spans 6.8 dunams and includes the evacuation and demolition of 7 residential buildings (69 housing units and 6 commercial units), will see the construction of 4 new residential buildings: one 31-story tower, one 20-story tower, one 9-story building, and one 8-story building, totaling 313 housing units. The mix of units will include 10% up to 55 square meters and 10% up to 80 square meters, both including a mamad. The plan also allocates about 1,000 square meters for commerce and 500 square meters for employment. The developer is Kardan Real Estate, and the plan was drafted by ARCTIC Architects & Urban Designers.

An additional Jerusalem urban renewal plan is located on Magen Aluf Street in the Shmuel Hanavi neighborhood, bordered by Pituchei Hotam and Shimon HaTzadik streets to the south, and Eretz Hefetz Street to the east. As part of the plan, which spans 6.7 dunams, 100 housing units will be demolished. In their place, three 12-story buildings will be constructed, totaling 205 housing units. The plan sets aside about 2,000 square meters for commercial use. The developer is Huzot Yerushalayim, and the plan was designed by Studio o2a.

The final plan slated for discussion is an urban renewal project on Eliezer Kashani Street in the Armon Hanatziv neighborhood. The plan, which covers about 6 dunams, involves demolishing three buildings that contain 36 housing units and constructing a 24-story tower with 187 housing units. It allocates 200 square meters for commercial use and 300 square meters for public buildings. The plan was submitted by Golden Israel, and the architect is Carlos Prus.