Lebanon launches 200m tower project
Lebanon’s tallest tower to date, the 50-storey Sama Beirut mixed-use project, has been launched officially by developer Antonios Projects SAL.
The 200-metre-tall project will comprise of shops and offices, a six-storey underground parking and storage area with 560 parking bays, and residential apartments ranging from 300 to 1,500 square metres, with such amenities as a private sports club.
Located in the Sodeco area close to the airport and Downtown Beirut, the expected completion date is 2014. The architects are Elie and Randya Gebrayel from the Erga group, who have designed the project with LEED accreditation in mind. Design features include an advanced curtain wall for the façade and “a non-coordinated form rising in levels to reach the top.”
The main adviser to the project is real-estate consultancy Prime Consult, headed by Massaad Fares. Fadi Antonios, head of Antonios Projects SAL, declared: “This will be a landmark in Lebanon.”
The project was launched at an official event attended by Lebanese Interior Minister Ziad Baround, Tourism Minister Elie Marouni and Tourism Ministry GM Nada Sardouk. Also present was Beirut Municipality head Abdelminhim Aris.
Sama Beirut’s prime location is expected to be a magnet for potential investors. Baroud said the project will elevate the real estate industry in Lebanon to new heights, as well as representing a major leap forward in urban development planning in the country.
