The historic La Viennoise building, located at the intersection of Champollion and Mahmoud Bassiouny streets in Downtown Cairo, has reopened as a retail and cultural destination. Constructed in 1896, the building is known for its Italian Renaissance-style architecture. Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment, which acquired the building in 2009, has been leading the restoration efforts. The company's goal is to restore historic properties in Downtown Cairo. The building has undergone significant transformation since its acquisition.
Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment began restoration work on the building in April 2016. The project, developed in collaboration with Alchemy and Ebony & Ivory, took approximately two years to complete before the building reopened in May 2018. The latest phase of the project focuses on transforming the courtyard into a retail and dining space. This phase is being carried out in collaboration with Zaro Architects and Alchemy Group. The restored courtyard will feature a mix of local businesses.
The restored courtyard will accommodate nine local businesses, including restaurants, cafés, and retail stores. Some of the businesses joining the space include Italian restaurant Andiamo, specialty coffee shop Floating Cups, and homeware brand ANŪT. Other businesses include art and design gallery Le LAB, Santriyya, Maison Gamil, Beauts, Mix & Match, and Huwa Designs. These businesses bring together food, fashion, jewelry, and design. The building's courtyard has been designed to create a shared space for shopping, dining, and cultural activities.
La Viennoise previously underwent restoration work in 2016 and earned the Tarsheed Commercial Renovation certification for meeting sustainability standards. The project was developed with designers Karim Mekhtigian of Alchemy and Mohamed Said of Ebony & Ivory. The building also houses offices for Sarwa Capital and Contact Financial Holding. Additionally, it features Mazeej Balad, a boutique hotel with five suites and a rooftop restaurant overlooking Downtown Cairo.
The latest development is part of Al Ismaelia's wider efforts to restore and repurpose historic buildings across Downtown Cairo. Other projects include Cinema Radio, Tamara Haus, and Consoleya. These efforts aim to preserve the architectural heritage of the area. The project also aligns with broader initiatives to restore and preserve historic buildings in Downtown Cairo.
On October 25, Cairo Governorate announced that restoration work in the Khedivial Cairo district was ongoing. The focus is on preserving historic façades, upgrading infrastructure, and encouraging the reuse of heritage properties. This initiative demonstrates the commitment to preserving the city's architectural heritage. The restoration work is expected to have a positive impact on the area.
The reopening of La Viennoise marks a significant milestone in the restoration of Downtown Cairo's historic buildings. The building's transformation into a retail and cultural destination is expected to contribute to the area's vibrancy. The project showcases the potential for historic buildings to be repurposed and restored.
Key points
- La Viennoise, a 130-year-old heritage building, has reopened as a retail and cultural destination in Downtown Cairo.
- The building's restoration was led by Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment, which acquired the building in 2009.
- The restored courtyard features a mix of local businesses, including restaurants, cafés, and retail stores.
