Luria Project Revitalizes Jerusalem’s Arnona Hills with Historic and Modern Living
The Luria residential project, developed by the Tzarfati Shimon Group, is advancing its second phase in the Arnona Hills area of southern Jerusalem, blending thousands of years of history with contemporary urban living. The new phase features three boutique buildings of about nine stories each, offering 86 apartments including three- to five-room units, garden apartments, and penthouses, with up to three apartments per floor and underground parking. The entire Luria project encompasses 17 buildings and 335 housing units, designed by Feigin Architects, known for projects like the Waldorf Astoria in Jerusalem.
Arnona Hills uniquely overlays ancient and modern layers, from an ancient aqueduct that once supplied water to Jerusalem to the 1949 border line between Israel and Jordan, which once divided the area. The project site borders the historic Water Aqueduct Park, integrating the neighborhood’s rich past with new residential development. Landscape architect Larry Gordon emphasized the terraced design that respects the historic water channel and preserves open public green spaces, connecting residents to expansive views of Jerusalem and the Judean Desert.
Kobi Ezra, sales manager for the Luria project, highlighted the appeal of the boutique buildings to Jerusalem residents seeking to maintain a local lifestyle without high-rise density. The location offers proximity to commercial areas, the light rail, the country club, and major transport routes including Hebron Road and Begin Highway, with the Blue Line light rail planned nearby. Real estate appraiser Ido Shaham noted a 21% rise in property values in Arnona over the past five years, driven by improved transportation and employment access, particularly near the Talpiot business district.
The project attracts a diverse buyer base, including local families upgrading their homes, downsizers, and some external buyers purchasing for residence rather than investment. The architectural planning incorporates modern living needs with terraces, sukkah balconies, and underground parking. The Luria project exemplifies a broader Jerusalem trend where new developments engage in a dialogue with the city’s layered history, combining heritage and modern urban growth in a desirable residential environment.
