Dramatic plans for iconic new tower on Jerusalem's skyline

You might think you are familiar with Jerusalem’s skyline and key features but city planners are preparing to build a dramatic new landmark. Preparations for a huge skyscraper are underway, which aims to overshadow the Tower of David as the most recognizable tower in Jerusalem. 

The Epstein Complex, as it will be called, will be 40 floors high and include 240 housing units, as well as space for hospitality, commerce and buildings. A public square will also be a feature and, without a doubt, the view from the roof will be breathtaking.

Adrian Smith and Gordon Gill have been commissioned as architects for the colossal project, having previously designed Trump Tower in Chicago and the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa in Dubai. 

There are ongoing discussions about the exact location for the tower, its height, and the cost of the project, which will be about three times more expensive than average buildings.

The planned location is close to the Park and Ride lot of the Jerusalem Light Rail system, so the complex will have to comply with the regulations and policies that apply to all construction along those routes. 

When asked to comment on the plans, Jerusalem City Engineer Yoel Even responded positively: "The Epstein Complex plan is characterized by unique architectural design fitting its significant location. From the plan documents, it seems to include special Jerusalem aromas, extensive public areas, a promenade with a breathtaking observation point, a café, and even a hotel. All this along the light rail route, near the Park and Ride lot, with very high accessibility to and from it."

"The plan’s promotion was done while listening closely to public sentiments, including the neighborhood residents and the Yad LaBanim organization," he added. 

Concerns have been expressed about potential damage to Mount Herzl, with some 200 organizations and individuals voicing their objection to the 650-foot-high tower that could overlook the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum and the IDF cemetery.

In a letter, the Yad Labanim organization said that even the idea of such a tower overshadowing 2,800 of Israel’s fallen soldiers was causing “serious harm” to the families, and would be an act of disrespect.

These concerns may be unnecessary according to The Jerusalem Post, but the feasibility of such a project and the main use of the space remain a matter of debate. The Epstein Complex engineer seems unphased by naysayers, expressing his enthusiasm for the new construction.

"We are confident that implementing the plan in its new format will balance preserving the area's character with the need to increase housing supply and improve services for the city’s residents," said Even. "As part of the plan, hundreds of rental housing units for young couples will be built, along with hospitality areas and significant allocations for public needs, which are sorely lacking in the neighborhood."

Regarding the height of the tower, Even insisted it was necessary to meet growing needs for housing.

"If today Kiryat Yovel, for example, is a neighborhood with 19,000 or 20,000 residents, in another 10-20 years it is expected to grow by 6,000-7,000 housing units, in other words 25,000 new residents will be added. In order to provide the response that they need, we need not only new apartments but also new public areas and that will only be done by rising high."

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion is leading the municipality in lending support for the plans, hoping that the tower will become associated with Jerusalem, just as the cylindrical, triangular and rectangular Azrieli Towers have come to symbolize Tel Aviv.

In a statement, the Jerusalem Municipality praised the initiative, describing it as a “groundbreaking plan, with a unique architectural design, befitting the significant location of the project.”