Shibuya's Mitake Building/Mansion Reconstruction Project to start in early 2011
An aging residential/commercial building just minutes from Shibuya Station is about to be torn down and replaced with a 17 storey condominium. The current building was built in 1959 by the Tokyo Metropolitan Housing Supply Corporation. Due to its age (it is now over 50 years old) and deterioration, it was considered at risk from earthquakes.
Initial discussions to rebuild began in 1999. The planning and administration company, UG Toshi Kenchiku and Nippon Steel City Produce, were selected to head the project in 2004. The new building will be mixed use with commercial and retail on the first 3 floors, and residential units on floors 4 to 17. Nippon Steel City Produce has acquired the reserved floorspace which will be sold as residential units from Summer, 2011.Read more
Co-Op Olympia, A Harajuku Landmark
Harajuku's landmark building is still standing after 45 years, but for how much longer?
Co-Op Olympia was completed in 1965, just after the Tokyo Olympics, which provided the inspiration for the building name. It is located right in the heart of Harajuku. The building has become a landmark in the area due to its unique design and prime location, and is a highly sought-after vintage residence.Read more
Apartment Reconstruction Still Lagging Despite Support System
The following is a translation of an article that appeared in the Nikkei Shimbun on October 30th, 2010.
The large scale repairs and rebuilding of aging apartments in Tokyo is becoming more and more of a concern. Apartments built during the construction boom from the 1970s are now nearing 40 years old. If apartments are not properly maintained they create a fire and crime hazard (possibly because they have less security features than modern buildings). At the national and city level there is a support system for rebuilding, but actual cases where the system has been used are few in number.Read more