Jerusalem Approves Orion Cinema Renewal Project with 202 Homes and Hotel
Jerusalem approved the final renewal project for the historic Orion Cinema, featuring 202 residential units, a hotel, and the restoration of the iconic cultural venue.
The Jerusalem District Planning and Building Committee has given final approval for the urban renewal project at the historic Orion Cinema site in downtown Jerusalem. The comprehensive mixed-use initiative will feature 202 residential units, a 140-room hotel, commercial spaces, and approximately 3,300 square meters dedicated to public institutions, centered around a new public piazza. The historic Orion Cinema building will be meticulously restored and returned to cultural and cinematic use after three decades of closure.
Mixed-Use Towers and Preservation
Located at the intersection of Hillel, Shammai, and Histadrut streets, adjacent to the King George Street light rail line, the project includes two towers rising 34 and 30 stories. Out of the 202 apartments, approximately 30 units will be compact dwellings measuring up to 55 square meters. The development also incorporates a 12-story hotel and ground-floor retail spaces facing the surrounding thoroughfares. A green urban piazza will be established at the heart of the complex to encourage pedestrian activity and improve connectivity across downtown Jerusalem.
Restoring a Cultural Landmark
Originally opened in July 1938 and inspired by New York City's Radio City Music Hall, the Orion Cinema once seated 1,400 people and served as a premier cultural hub until closing in the 1990s. The restoration plan, spearheaded by Tnufa and designed by Ian Bader Architects, draws inspiration from Tel Aviv's Cinema Hotel project. District Planner Dan Keynan stated that the plan successfully blends intensive urban development with the preservation of Jerusalem's architectural heritage.
