Jerusalem Court Orders Historic Print Workshop Roof Restored
Translated & summarized from Calcalist by baba
A Jerusalem court has ordered the historic Print Workshop building's roof to be restored to its original 19th-century design by May 2027. The ruling follows a lawsuit by one owner, Megurei HaNeviim, against the other, Print Workshop Jerusalem, for unauthorized roof alterations. The court found the non-profit had dismantled the roof without permission and ordered it dismantled and rebuilt, also awarding NIS 145,000 in damages.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Jerusalem court orders historic Print Workshop roof restored by May 2027.
- Print Workshop Jerusalem must dismantle unauthorized roof alterations.
- Owner Megurei HaNeviim sued for damage to the unique truncated tile roof.
- The non-profit is ordered to pay NIS 145,000 in damages.
- A monthly fee of NIS 2,500 is due until restoration is complete.
A Jerusalem court has ordered the restoration of the original roof on the historic Print Workshop building in the city center, mandating that the structure be returned to its original appearance by May 2027. The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by one of the building's owners, Megurei HaNeviim, who alleged that the other owner, the non-profit Print Workshop Jerusalem, had damaged the building's facade through unauthorized alterations to the roof.
The building, constructed approximately 170 years ago and designated for strict preservation, features a unique, truncated tile roof from the late 19th century. The property is jointly owned, with Megurei HaNeviim holding rights to the courtyard and roofs, including the one in question, while Print Workshop Jerusalem operates a printmaking studio and art gallery there.
In 2013, Print Workshop Jerusalem sought a permit to add an elevator, and by 2017, had undertaken work to dismantle and replace parts of the roof, raising its angle to facilitate access to the attic. Megurei HaNeviim, which purchased its leasehold rights in 2021 for $1 million, argued that these modifications, including added windows, were done without a permit and altered the roof's original symmetrical, truncated form.
Print Workshop Jerusalem initially denied performing work on the roof but later admitted to construction consistent with a permit, asserting they acquired roof rights after the work was completed. The court, however, found that the non-profit had dismantled the roof without the owner's permission, exceeded its building rights, and deviated from the permit. Judge Moria Tcherka ruled that the defendant must dismantle the roof they constructed and restore it to its original state.
In addition to ordering the roof's restoration, the court awarded Megurei HaNeviim NIS 145,000 in damages for past use, a reduction from the NIS 504,000 initially sought. The court also mandated a monthly payment of NIS 2,500 until the roof is restored to its original condition.