The building at 9 Lilienblum Street was constructed in 1912 and originally served both as a hotel and as the private residence of its owners, the Menachem Alkonin family.
Its architectural style, the eclectic-classical style, faithfully reflected the spirit of the era and the social aspirations of the time. It was an impressive dream house built by an Eastern European pioneer, a new resident of Ahuzat Bayit.
Over the years, as the neighborhood’s status declined, the building’s physical condition and social standing deteriorated as well. For many years it has stood abandoned, awaiting renewal.

The construction of the new wing at the Lilienblum 9 complex, the preservation of the historic building’s wings, and the revival of the hotel’s operation are all welcome actions that will contribute to the revitalization of both the building and its surroundings.

Design Principles:

Detachment - Contrast - Completeness

The wings of the historic building facing Lilienblum Street and Yehoshua HaTalmi Street are preserved in their entirety, with the intention of maintaining the authentic character and street presence as they were when the building was first constructed.

According to this principle, the new building was positioned at the rear of the historic structure, hovering above the historic courtyard so that its unique presence becomes increasingly pronounced as the viewing perspective recedes.

The project’s conceptual approach arises from the fusion and balance of contrasts, and from the mutual enrichment between the two complementary components of the project. One is conservative, grounded, protecting the house and its heritage; the other hovers above, emerging from the historic courtyard while looking toward new horizons and developing them. Their union creates a new architectural composition.

The location and design of the new structure ensure that it is completely detached from the historic building- neither overshadowing it nor encroaching upon it, horizontally or vertically. Moreover, this separation enhances the dignified presence the building once had, completing it with a structure of exceptional character: a three-dimensional glass-encased volume, articulated with irregular Mondrian-style divisions that emphasize its sculptural, three-dimensional form.