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Reconstruction
Post-war reconstruction, largely put in the hands of Solidere, The Lebanese Company for the Development and Reconstruction of Beirut Central District, follows a plan meant to preserve the traditional Beirut city center while adding a modern extension on the waterfront. The 1.8 million-square-meter projects for Beirut’s Central District (BCD) includes hotels, office space and residential areas. In an on-going effort to preserve the immense archaeological sites in the city, approximately 256 structures will be restored in addition to historic mosques and churches.
Busy Street Corner in Hamra
Beirut’s souks and markets are planned for restoration, although recreating the organic nature of these areas will be impossible and is not in the plan. Throughout its 25-year project, Solidere also plans to build a modern infrastructure of roads, utilities, public areas and marine works. More than half a million square meters have been set aside for two marinas, a seaside promenade (The Sea Corniche) and a green park (Khalil Gibran and Reconciliation Parks).
Traditional Souk---------------------------------------------------Church of Antioch, Greek Orthodox Church
Historic Preservation and Archaeology
Historic Preservation and Archaeology
If there is one benefit to be found in the mass destruction wrought by the civil war, it is the prime opportunity for archaeological excavation throughout the layers of the ancient city. Over approximately the past ten years, archaeologists have continued to make ground-breaking and breathtaking finds in the ruins under Beirut. Currently, a major task of the city, and specifically Solidere, is creating a space where both these ancient structures and modern buildings can co-exist.
Urban Archaeology Dig
The preservation of the historic core of the city, namely, the area stretching from the Serail Citadel in the west, to Martyrs' Square in the east is an integral part of the reconstruction process. Within this district, all remaining historical buildings, as well as the banking buildings along Riad al Solh Street, are planned for preservation and are currently in the process of being renovated.
Last Mamluk Ribat in Beirut
Beirut’s transportation system is nearly non-existence and there are few plans for establishing mass public transit. The most-used means of transportation for those without cars are private or collective taxis, although there is also a bus system. Three types of public transportation co-exist in Lebanon: buses, mini-buses and “services.” Services is the Lebanese name for collective taxis and along with mini-buses they have no definite stops.
Beirut Taxi
The lack of adequate roads and traffic control is a major concern in Beirut, particularly because the city has one of the highest per capita auto-ownership rates in the world.
Traffic Congestion - A Major Concern
As of the last count, Beirut has 60 public squares and gardens used on a daily basis. Landscaped streets, gardens, historic squares, pedestrian areas and sea promenade comprise 94 acres of open and public space throughout Beirut. While these spaces are most often used on a daily basis, it is not uncommon to find a planned event in them also. In an effort to reduce traffic and noise pollution, private transportation is not allowed in the BCD on Sundays.
Sanayeh Park
The Corniche is a festive boulevard running along the Mediterranean Sea which ends at Pigeon Rocks. At these formations begin a seaside strip of restaurants and private beach clubs. Everything from McDonald’s to Uncle Deek’s Café can be found along the boulevard.
Pigeon Rocks and The Corniche
There are also on-going art and entertainment events, hot-air balloon rides and passenger ferries bound for Cyprus. Corniche is a day and night time hotspot, attracting both young and old Beirutis and tourists.
The Sea Corniche
Monot Street, in Christian-dominated Achrafiyeh, is one of the hottest night-life scenes in the country – possibly in the world. With music festivals and more bars than you can count, Monot draws huge numbers of young Beirutis every night.
Open-air Restaurant----------------------------------- Monot Street
