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'The ABY' hotel brings new life to Tel Aviv’s historic Zamir Cinema site

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Outcome reported
  • The historic Zamir Cinema site in Tel Aviv has been transformed into The ABY, a new 40-room boutique hotel.
  • The NIS 40 million project, a partnership between hospitality entrepreneur Danny Tamari and Astral hotel chain, revitalizes a preservation building with deep cultural roots.
  • The hotel's design and name reflect its location and history, incorporating local art and materials, and marking a step in the area's revitalization after damage from a missile blast.

A building that once echoed with the sounds of cinema in Tel Aviv is now ushering in a new era as The ABY, a 40-room boutique hotel. Located at the prominent intersection of Allenby and Ben-Yehuda streets, the hotel occupies the site of the historic Zamir Cinema, a place that hosted generations of moviegoers and served as a hub for the Israeli film industry.

The approximately NIS 40 million development is the result of a collaboration between hospitality entrepreneur Danny Tamari and the Eilat-based Astral hotel chain. The project breathes new life into a preservation building, situated in Mugrabi Square, an area undergoing revitalization. The hotel's name, "Aby," is a nod to its location, derived from the initials of Allenby and Ben-Yehuda streets, bridging central Tel Aviv and the sea.

Architect Yoav Messer led the extensive eight-year process of planning, preservation, and renewal, ensuring the building's history was central to its transformation. The hotel's opening, though delayed by a year due to damage from a missile blast, signifies both the completion of a significant preservation effort and a step forward in the revitalization of this central Tel Aviv area.

"The ABY was born from a deep love for Tel Aviv and from a desire to create a place that tells its story," Tamari stated. He emphasized honoring the building's history while opening a new chapter. This philosophy aligns with his previous venture, The Vera hotel, highlighting Israeli creativity through local artists, manufacturers, and products. The ABY's interiors, designed by Dan Troim, draw inspiration from its coastal location, featuring warm woods, exposed concrete, copper, and marble in Mediterranean tones. Local craftsmanship is evident throughout, from custom faucets to art pieces.

The ABY was born from a deep love for Tel Aviv and from a desire to create a place that tells its story. It was important to us to honor the history of the building and the memories it carries, while at the same time opening a new chapter for it.

— Danny TamariThe hospitality entrepreneur explains the inspiration and philosophy behind The ABY hotel.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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