How to use the emblematic buildings of Athens
of Eleni Botas
The previously abandoned and in many cases hermetically sealed emblematic buildings in the center of Athens regain their lost glory.
The upward trends recorded by the values in the domestic real estate market for the 4th consecutive year, depending on the impressive results recorded by the tourism industry of our country even in a pandemic, seem to be the main factors that the utilization of emblematic buildings in the center of the capital is no longer one-way and urgent need.
According to the research of E-Real Estates Panhellenic Network of Real Estate Agents, the area of Omonia now offers unique moments for the residents of the new hotels that already operate and / or will operate in the wider area.
At the same time, the investments made by a number of hotels, has contributed decisively to the emergence of the emblematic Omonia Square, while the wider area is now in the “target” of international investors.
We now see that areas that in the recent past were characterized as either “forgotten” or “degraded” are changing.
In the last four years, the town planning of the Municipality of Athens has issued more than 80 building permits for the change of use of buildings only for the historic center of the city.
Many private investments are made in neighborhoods of the center that a few years ago did not exist on the map of the real estate market.
The increases of the above “forgotten” areas, will lead to the increase of values in the whole Municipality of Athens, while at the same time, they are the main pillar of the evolution of the image of the center of the capital, positively affecting the neighboring areas.
The fact that private investment schemes and funds are constantly investing in the tourism industry of the Municipality of Athens, even during the coronavirus pandemic, proves in practice that the transformation of the center of the capital into a destination of international standards is a matter of time. At the same time, it heralds the investment boom and the approach of billions of euros of investment in the near future.
“Let us not forget that private investments contribute to the upgrading of both the local society and the economy of our country. Themistoklis Bakas: President of the Panhellenic Network of E-Real Estates
Buildings that have changed or are about to change “image” and use
Socratous 53 and Zenonos, Athens
Preserved with a basement and 7 floors, total area 6,878.37 sq.m .. Intense interest is recorded by investors for the creation of a hotel. According to information, in the next administration period, a suggestion should be made to EFKA for the lease of the building, in order to build a four-star hotel.
Stadiou 41 (former Fokas), Athens
Preserved almost 8,500 sq.m. which housed for a decade the main store of the commercial chain Fokas. The permitted uses by EFKA are strictly limited: a) the use of hotel, tourist accommodation, rental structures, b) the use of shops, c) the use of offices, d) the use as a venue for events, art galleries, exhibitions and more . related uses.
Zalokosta 7-9 Kolonaki, Athens
Preserved total area of 1,854 sq.m., built in 1939 and designated a monument with the relevant ministry of 2008. The bidding for the lease took place on October 20, 2021.
The investment program included the tenant performing the upgrade of the building for the purpose of either operating as a 4-star hotel or as a non-main hotel accommodation of the corresponding classification (rentals).
Panepistimiou 46, Athens
Building with a total area of 10,247 sq.m. which hosted the “INTEAL” cinema and which was made at the end of the 19th century by Henrik Schliemann. The goal is to create a 4-star hotel, after carrying out upgrade work.
61 Patision and Skaramaga, Athens
From 1937 to 1945 it was the house where Maria Callas lived while her base was in Athens.
In February 2018, EFKA – the building was owned by NAT – leased the property to the urban non-profit company for the “Academy of Lyric Art Maria Callas”, which is launching a series of interventions.
The plans include transforming the building into a lyric art education space, with the road open, as the urban non-profit company has the pre-approval of a building permit.
Patision – Minion, Athens
A building with a total area of 21,000 sqm (these are more than one connected secondary building) that extends to 10 floors, is located on the building block enclosed by Patision, Satovriandou, Veranzerou and Dorou streets.
They state that the sources will be converted into a small-use building, ie offices, with the exploitation of commercial countries and areas.
Filellinon 9 and Xenophontos, Athens
Neoclassical listed property on a corner plot of 453.70sqm where the main building has a total area of 1,133.53sqm and with an acquisition of 94.00sqm which has been constructed later.
The building is located 120 meters from Syntagma Square and 300 meters from the Greek Parliament, in an area that is the center of economic, political, cultural and social activity of the capital.
He is expected to return to city life soon after his project, to be the new headquarters of the Hellenic Chamber of Commerce (OEE).
10 Agias Irini Square, Athens
A building of unique aesthetics, a characterized monument, whose history begins at the end of the 19th century. There was a mixed use building, ie a shop on the ground floor and the mezzanine floor and a house on the first and second floor.
The building was restored in an exemplary way, to house today the “Athens 1890 – boutique hotel & spa” (2017-2020), and is being developed on six levels of a large area of 1,100 m2.
5-7 North and Karori, Athens
A building built during the years 1934-1938, in the past it housed craft workshops and specifically a printing house in combination with shops and warehouses. Since 2019 it houses “The Editor Hotel”.
Lykavitos Hill Hersonos 8, Athens
It was originally designed as an educational complex by the famous architect Arthur Skepers in 1969. The building was empty and abandoned without any life or function for more than 10 years, until the owner himself decided to change its use to a high-standard residential complex.
Ermou 121, Athens
The previously abandoned building erected in the 19th century part of the stables of King Otto. In the period 2019-2020, the renovation was completed and turned into a wine cellar with 3,000 labels and a restaurant of high standards with a cityscape overlooking the Acropolis.