Under the plans, the Azrieli Center mall will undergo a significant 13,000 square-meter expansion, bringing the total floor space to 55,000 square meters. When combined with the Tel Aviv light rail currently under construction and the existing Tel Aviv Hashalom train station, 100,000 people are expected to pass through daily, this will make it a true gateway of transport to Tel Aviv. The roof of the shopping center will be transformed into a sprawling urban garden.
On a clear day, Azrieli said, it will be possible to see the city of Jerusalem from the tower. A gourmet restaurant and a private event space are expected to occupy the top floors of the building.
“This tower will grow out of the DNA of Tel Aviv’s existing square, circular and triangular towers,” KPF President James von Klemperer said.
“It seeks to be both dramatic but also gentle and harmonious. It does not seek to disturb or overpower, but to create harmony in this whole setting and remain respectful to the environment surrounding it.”
As Tel Aviv’s population and booming hi-tech scene continue to expand in the coming years, those behind the new tower expect to see demand for office and retail space grow.
“We only launched the nearby Sarona tower six months ago, and it is nearly 100% full,” said Azrieli. “The world of technology is coming to Tel Aviv. Amazon, Google and more are all doing their research and development work here. There is a great demand.”
Azrieli Group has been working closely with the municipality, she added, to make the area increasingly accessible for pedestrians. While the construction of the building and the Tel Aviv light rail are likely to cause short-term inconvenience, Azrieli promised a greatly-improved pedestrian experience once it is complete.
The Azrieli Center’s Circular Tower, currently the tallest of the three towers, was built beginning in 1996 and was completed in 1999.