Increasing trend towards Preservation of Buildings in Tel Aviv. The first school to teach in Hebrew, the Gymnasia in Tel Aviv, built in 1905 was sadly, shamefully demolished in the sixties to become the Shalom Tower. Subsequent comprehension of its historic value and erroneous demolition created a red light concerning preservation of historic buildings.
Criteria for deciding which out of the many historic buildings in Tel Aviv must be preserved: 1. Special style, beauty and contribution to surrounding area. 2. Building was the abode of an important historic personage in Israel or some important historic Zionist event occurred there. 3. Building may increase value of apartments in the area.
Owners must preserve original facades of these buildings. Principal reason for preservation of historic buildings: respect for the town’s past and an antiquity for future generations to learn of, tourism and visitors to historic Tel Aviv.
Preserved Buildings in Tel Aviv facilitate study of their design and provide knowledge of people living in the past. Possibility of knowing: Which building materials were used? What was the principal area of the residence? How was the residence divided up?
From a purely Real Estate business angle, an area with preserved buildings (preservation also applies to the original exterior design) will develop businesses such as shops, restaurants, coffee bars. In picturesque streets as in Neveh Tzedek, visitors flock in and enjoy returning.
Tel Aviv Municipality developed a program some years ago: one thousand buildings to be preserved, in specific areas, built more than 70 years ago. The area in Tel Aviv with buildings for preservation is called “The White Town”. Unesco declared the area to be an area for preservation for world cultural heritage due to its international character Bauhaus. They provide assistance for preservation when necessary. The White Town area is located between King George Street, Shenkin, Rothschild Boulevard and the old area of Dizengoff Street. Typical characteristics of a Bauhaus: set on columns with front gardens. Interior design simple and functional, a flat roof provides creation of a roof garden or place for relaxation, balconies typifying the friendly atmosphere of the time.
Second important building style found in the thousand Buildings for Preservation in Tel Aviv: Eclectic style, contrary to the Bauhaus, with decorative openwork, more complex architectural style. Restoration of this style is more costly to the owners and more financial incentive is provided by the council for these eclectic-style buildings. These buildings now attract younger financially well-established buyers who search for apartments with character. The atmosphere of the past is sought by many; search for preserved buildings is on the increase. Many people are drawn to Neveh Tzedek due to the preservation program, for enjoyment, business and quality residence with respect for the past. The price is naturally high can be cheaper to demolish the building and rebuild. Preservation is for those with money, despite financial assistance from the council. Advantages lie in the atmosphere of these buildings and areas for those who can afford it. Better than an apartments straight from its wrappers. Hopefully, more people will find importance in residence in preserved buildings and will enjoy their dinner in the dining rooms of old, just as the first residents did before them.
