The landscape of Central Israel is poised for a dramatic vertical transformation as the Central District Committee convenes today to deliberate a landmark development in Hod HaSharon. This isn’t merely another housing project; it is a sophisticated integration of high-density living, significant employment hubs, and a pioneering approach to social inclusion, all anchored by the strategic transit artery of Route 531 and the Sokolov railway station.
The Blueprint for Growth
- Vertical Ambition: The plan introduces 30-story towers and mixed-use buildings, adding roughly 1,110 residential units to the city’s inventory.
- Social Conscience: A dedicated 150 units are earmarked for “inclusive living,” specifically designed for individuals with disabilities.
- Transit-Oriented: Located adjacent to the Sokolov train station, the project leverages Route 531 to minimize car dependency.
- Green Preservation: Two historic eucalyptus groves are integrated into the design as protected urban nature spots.
A Vertical Shift for the Sharon Region
The proposal redefines the skyline by moving away from suburban sprawl toward dense, transit-rich urban centers necessary for Israel’s future.
The “Eucalyptus Grove Partnership,” spearheaded by developers Giora Rosenbaum and Ofir Greenberg, is championing a plan that maximizes land utility in one of the country’s most desirable corridors. The project spans both sides of Route 531, a critical infrastructure artery, creating a seamless link between residential zones and transit. The sheer scale is impressive: alongside the 1,100+ apartments, the plan incorporates approximately 105,000 square meters of employment and commercial space. This volume of office and high-tech zoning suggests that Hod HaSharon is positioning itself not just as a dormitory city for Tel Aviv, but as an independent economic hub.
Can Urban Planning Truly Be Inclusive?
By embedding social welfare into the zoning code, this project challenges the standard developer model of maximizing luxury square footage at all costs.
What distinguishes this initiative is its structural commitment to social responsibility. Of the total housing inventory, 150 units are specifically designated for “inclusive housing” and community living for people with disabilities. This goes beyond simple wheelchair accessibility; the plan envisions a holistic ecosystem where residents with special needs are integrated into the workforce and leisure activities of the neighborhood. The design includes a dedicated center for integration and employment spaces with a public character, ensuring that inclusion is a daily reality rather than a token gesture.
Preserving the Green Lungs of the City
Architectural density does not have to come at the expense of nature; this plan proves that concrete and canopy can coexist.
Designed by Architect Uriel Goshen, the layout employs a “texture construction” approach, blending mid-rise buildings of 6 to 8 floors with soaring towers reaching 26, 27, and 31 stories. This variation prevents the monolithic “wall” effect often seen in modern developments. Crucially, the plan preserves two existing eucalyptus groves, classifying them as “urban nature values.” These aren’t fenced-off relics; the pedestrian layout is designed to flow through these green spaces, turning the groves into active public focal points that connect the residential courtyards with public institutions.
Project Specification Breakdown
| Feature | Eucalyptus Grove Plan Details | Standard Market Offering |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Volume | ~1,110 Units (Diverse Mix) | Typically 200–500 Units |
| Social Integration | 150 units dedicated to special needs/inclusive living | Usually absent or minimal |
| Commercial Space | ~105,000 sqm (High-Tech/Office) | Limited local retail |
| Unit Sizes | 5% Micro (<55m²), 10% Luxury (>140m²) | Standard 3-4 room focus |
| Height Profile | Mixed: 6–8 floors & 26–31 story towers | Uniform high-rises |
| Transit Access | Direct access to Sokolov Train Station | Car-dependent locations |
Key Indicators for Investors & Residents
Verify Final Approval Status
The plan is currently at the discussion stage for deposit with the District Committee. Investors should monitor the transition from “deposit” to “validation” to confirm zoning rights.
Assess the Micro-Apartment Availability
With 5% of units capped at 55 square meters, this presents a unique entry point for young professionals or investors looking for high-yield, lower-capital assets near a train line.
Monitor Traffic Mitigation Plans
While the project is transit-oriented, adding 100,000+ sqm of office space will impact Route 531. Watch for municipal updates on infrastructure upgrades surrounding the Sokolov station.
Glossary
- District Committee: The regional government body in Israel responsible for approving major urban plans and changes to zoning laws (in this case, the Central District).
- Texture Construction (Biyun Mirkami): An architectural style that typically involves mid-rise buildings (6–9 floors) designed to create a continuous urban street front, as opposed to isolated towers.
- Inclusive Housing: Residential units specifically designed and allocated for populations with special needs, integrated within standard residential buildings to foster community inclusion.
- Route 531: A major east-west freeway in the Sharon region of Israel that connects the coastal highway with the Trans-Israel Highway (Route 6), serving as a vital commuter artery.
- Deposit (Hafkada): A statutory stage in Israeli planning where a detailed plan is published for public review and objections before final approval.
Methodology
This report is based on current planning documents and scheduling data from the Central District Planning and Building Committee regarding the agenda for January 26, 2026. Data regarding square footage, unit counts, and developer identity is derived directly from the submission file for the “Eucalyptus Grove” plan in Hod HaSharon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the developers behind this massive project?
The project is being advanced by the “Eucalyptus Grove Partnership” (A.I.D.C.), which is owned by Giora Rosenbaum and Ofir Greenberg. They are working in conjunction with architect Uriel Goshen.
What is the mix of apartment sizes available in the plan?
The plan mandates a diverse mix: 5% are small apartments (up to 55 sqm), 20% are up to 80 sqm, 40% are up to 105 sqm, 25% are up to 140 sqm, and 10% are large penthouses or apartments over 140 sqm. This ensures a demographic variety from singles to large families.
How does the project handle public spaces?
The plan allocates roughly 36,000 square meters for public buildings and 9.5 dunams (approx. 2.3 acres) of open spaces. The layout emphasizes pedestrian connectivity between these spaces and the preserved eucalyptus groves.
Is this project purely residential?
No. It is a major mixed-use hub. It includes over 100,000 square meters of employment and high-tech space, plus roughly 6,680 square meters of commercial retail space (cafes, shops) integrated into the active street fronts.
The Road Ahead
As the District Committee reviews this ambitious proposal, the focus shifts to execution. For Hod HaSharon, this represents a maturing of the city—moving from a collection of bedroom communities to a robust, self-sustaining urban center. Stakeholders should pay close attention to the integration mechanisms for the special needs housing, as this could serve as a national model for compassionate, modern urbanism.
The Bottom Line
- Urban Maturity: Hod HaSharon is upgrading its status with major high-rise and employment infrastructure.
- Compassionate Design: The project sets a new standard for integrating disabilities into mainstream housing.
- Transit Synergy: Success relies on the effective utilization of the adjacent Sokolov railway connection.
Why We Care
This development matters because it represents the future of Zionism in the 21st century: building upward to preserve our land, integrating advanced economy with residential needs, and—most importantly—ensuring that the “Startup Nation” leaves no one behind. By embedding housing for the disabled directly into a prestige project, Israel demonstrates that strong communities are built on inclusivity, not just concrete.
