The International YMCA Center is situated in the center of Jerusalem on King David Street.
With the construction of Teddy Stadium in the Malkah neighborhood of Jerusalem, YMCA International management decided to convert the designated use of its valuable and rare reserve land from a football (soccer) field to other uses. A program was prepared for this purpose, on the basis of which changes were made in the zoning plan.
The new zoning plan includes:
• Restoration of the historic YMCA Center building and its preservation;
• Definition of building rights that would allow expansion of the existing hotel;
• Construction of a central plaza that would serve as a green oasis in the center of the complex;
• Construction of an underground sports center with a swimming pool, an indoor multi-purpose sports court, weight room, squash courts and other sports facilities;
• Allocation of a site for deluxe apartments;
• Allocation of a site for commercial and office uses;
• Construction of an underground parking facility with 900 parking spaces.
Upon approval of the zoning plan, an RFP was published for selecting a developer for the combination deal.
The Rasko Company was selected in 1999 after about two years of negotiations with potential developers.
Following selection of the developer and signing of a contract with it, detailed design and execution the project began in all of its various stages.
Tafnit-Wind is representing YMCA International in its contacts with the developer in all engineering and commercial aspects of the project as required in order to maintain the Owner’s interests in the project. In addition, Tafnit-Wind is monitoring on a regular basis the design, the construction and the necessary statutory processes.
Parts of the project were delivered to YMCA in 2008, with overall completion of the project anticipated in 2012.