Growing trend towards Building Preservation in Tel Aviv. The first school to teach in Hebrew, the Tel Aviv Gymnasia, built in 1905, was sadly and shamefully demolished in the 1960s to become the Shalom Tower. Later understanding of its historical value and mistaken demolition created a red light regarding the preservation of historic buildings.
Criteria for deciding which of Tel Aviv’s many historic buildings should be preserved: 1. Special style, beauty, and contribution to the surrounding area. 2. The building was the abode of an important historical figure in Israel or some important historical Zionist event occurred there. 3. Construction can increase the value of apartments in the area.
The owners must preserve the original facades of these buildings. Main reason for preservation of historic buildings: respect for the city’s past and an antiquity for future generations to learn about, tourism and visitors to historic Tel Aviv.
Preserved buildings in Tel Aviv make it easy to study their design and provide insight into the people who lived in the past. Possibility of knowing: What construction materials were used? What was the main area of the residence? How was the residence divided?
From a purely commercial real estate angle, an area with preserved buildings (preservation also applies to original exterior design) will develop businesses such as shops, restaurants, cafes. On quaint streets like Neveh Tzedek, visitors flock and enjoy coming back.
The Tel Aviv Municipality developed a program some years ago: a thousand buildings to be preserved, in specific areas, built more than 70 years ago. The area of Tel Aviv with buildings for preservation is called “The White City”. Unesco declared the area as a preservation area for world cultural heritage due to its international Bauhaus character. They provide conservation assistance when needed. The White Town area is between King George Street, Shenkin, Rothschild Boulevard, and the old Dizengoff Street area. Typical features of a Bauhaus: sitting on columns with front gardens. Simple and functional interior design, a flat roof provides the creation of a roof garden or a place for relaxation, balconies that typify the pleasant atmosphere of the time.
Second important construction style found in the thousand buildings for preservation in Tel Aviv: eclectic style, contrary to the Bauhaus, with decorative fretwork, more complex architectural style. Restoration in this style is more expensive for owners and the council provides further financial incentives for these eclectic style buildings. These buildings now attract financially well-established younger buyers looking for apartments with character. The atmosphere of the past is sought after by many; the search for preserved buildings is on the rise. Many people are drawn to Neveh Tzedek because of the preservation program, for enjoyment, business, and quality residence with respect for the past. The price is naturally high, it may be cheaper to demolish the building and rebuild it. Preservation is for those with money, despite financial assistance from the council. The advantages lie in the atmosphere of these buildings and areas for those who can afford it. Better than an apartment fresh out of its packaging. Hopefully, more people will find importance in residing in preserved buildings and enjoy their dinner in the dining rooms of yesteryear, just as the early residents did before them.