Jerusalem continues to modernize and expand, blending ancient heritage with contemporary living. In a significant boost for the capital’s housing market, the Beit Yerushalmi BY group has secured a tender to transform a section of the strategic French Hill neighborhood, replacing aging structures with modern high-rises. This development underscores the continued demand for housing in Israel’s capital and the city’s commitment to urban resilience.
Capital Growth at a Glance
- Developer Win: Beit Yerushalmi BY awarded the “Pinui-Binui” tender on Etzel Street.
- Scale Up: Demolition of 52 aging apartments to make way for approximately 200 new units.
- Modern Skyline: Construction of three new towers ranging from 10 to 20 stories.
- Security & Comfort: Addition of reinforced safe rooms (Mamads), balconies, and parking for all returning residents.
Revitalizing Strategic Neighborhoods
Urban renewal is not merely about pouring concrete; it is about strengthening the demographic and structural fabric of Jerusalem. The French Hill project exemplifies this shift, moving from old low-rises to efficient, high-density living spaces that cater to a growing population.
The initiative focuses on a 5-dunam (approximately 1.2 acres) plot located at 4-6 Etzel Street. Currently, the site hosts two older residential buildings containing 52 apartments. Under the new plan, Beit Yerushalmi BY will demolish these outdated structures. In their place, three modern residential towers will rise, varying in height between 10 and 20 floors. This expansion will result in a total of roughly 200 housing units, effectively quadrupling the housing capacity of the plot and contributing to the modernization of the French Hill skyline.
What Do Existing Residents Gain from the Deal?
For urban renewal to succeed, the original tenants must be active partners in the process, seeing tangible improvements in both their quality of life and personal security. The transparency of this tender process highlights a model for successful cooperation between residents and private developers.
According to the agreement formalized after the tender win, existing apartment owners are set to receive a significant upgrade in their assets. Every replacement apartment will feature increased square footage compared to the original unit. Furthermore, the new specifications include a sun balcony, a private storage unit, and a private parking spot registered in the Tabu (Land Registry). Perhaps most critically, given the security realities in Israel, every new apartment will include a standard reinforced security room (Mamad), ensuring that residents have immediate access to safety within their own homes.
A Coalition of Legal and Architectural Expertise
Complex infrastructure projects require seamless cooperation between tenant representatives, legal teams, and urban planners to navigate the intricacies of Jerusalem’s zoning and development landscape. The successful conclusion of this tender reflects a high level of professional synergy.
The tender process was managed by the tenants’ representation, advised by attorneys Eli Tusia and Ram Cohen from the Tal Kadri Shamir law firm. On the developer side, Beit Yerushalmi BY was represented by partners Or Tzur and Tehila Haran from the ERM firm. The architectural vision is being helmed by Carlos Prus of Prus Architects.
Moshe Ragovei, manager of the urban renewal department at Beit Yerushalmi BY, noted the significance of this milestone, thanking the tenants for their trust. He highlighted that while the company is active elsewhere in Jerusalem, this marks their first project in the French Hill neighborhood. The legal team representing the developers praised the thoroughness of the selection process, noting that the tenants ultimately chose the proposal that offered the most comprehensive solution for their future needs.
| Feature | Current Status | Future Project |
|---|---|---|
| Structures | 2 old residential buildings | 3 modern towers |
| Height | Low-rise | 10–20 floors |
| Capacity | 52 Apartments | ~200 Apartments |
| Amenities | Standard aging infrastructure | Balconies, Storage, Parking, Safe Rooms |
The Blueprint for Successful Renewal
- Security Integration: Prioritizing the construction of Mamads (safe rooms) in all new urban planning is non-negotiable for modern Israeli construction.
- Tenant Partnership: Success relies on transparent legal representation for current residents to ensure their assets are protected and enhanced.
- Density Optimization: Replacing low-density aging blocks with high-rise towers allows Jerusalem to house its growing population without encroaching on green spaces.
Glossary
- Pinui-Binui: Literally “Evacuation-Construction,” an Israeli legal mechanism for urban renewal where old buildings are demolished and replaced with new, higher-density structures.
- Mamad: The Hebrew acronym for “Secure Apartment Space,” a reinforced concrete room required in new Israeli construction to protect against rocket fire and earthquakes.
- Tabu: The colloquial term for the Israel Land Registry, where property ownership rights are legally recorded.
- Dunam: A unit of land area used in Israel and the former Ottoman Empire, equivalent to 1,000 square meters (approx. 0.25 acres).
Methodology
This report is based on news regarding the tender results for the Etzel Street project in Jerusalem, as detailed in reports from February 10, 2026. Data regarding apartment numbers, floor counts, and specific legal representatives was derived directly from the announcement involving Beit Yerushalmi BY and the associated law firms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where exactly is the new project located?
A: The project is situated in the French Hill neighborhood of Jerusalem, specifically on a 5-dunam complex at 4-6 Etzel Street.
Q: Who is the developer responsible for the construction?
A: The tender was won by the “Beit Yerushalmi BY” group. This is their first project in French Hill, though they are active in urban renewal elsewhere in the capital.
Q: How does this project improve security for residents?
A: Aside from modern engineering standards which offer better earthquake resistance, the project mandates the inclusion of a Mamad (reinforced security room) in every single apartment, providing immediate protection against security threats.
Q: What is the timeline for the project?
A: While the tender has been won and the scope defined (demolishing 52 units to build ~200), specific dates for demolition and completion depend on the finalization of permits and the evacuation process.
wrapping Up
The transformation of Etzel Street stands as a testament to Jerusalem’s ability to reinvent itself. By replacing dilapidation with innovation, Beit Yerushalmi BY and the residents of French Hill are paving the way for a safer, more robust capital city.
Key Takeaways
- Jerusalem’s urban renewal drive continues with a major win for Beit Yerushalmi BY.
- Residents secure upgraded assets, including vital security rooms and parking.
- The project significantly increases housing stock in a high-demand area.
- Collaboration between tenant reps and developers proved essential for the tender’s success.
Why We Care
The ongoing development of Jerusalem is a physical manifestation of Zionist sovereignty and resilience. Projects like the one in French Hill do more than just provide housing; they upgrade the standard of living for Israelis, ensure physical safety through modern engineering, and assert the vibrancy of the Jewish capital. Strengthening neighborhoods like French Hill ensures Jerusalem remains a thriving, populous, and modern metropolis for generations to come.
