Historic La Viennoise Building Reopens in Downtown Cairo

La Viennoise, a 130-year-old heritage building in Downtown Cairo, is being transformed into a retail and cultural destination, with new restaurants, cafés, and local brands opening as the latest phase of its restoration nears completion.

Located at the intersection of Champollion and Mahmoud Bassiouny streets, the building was constructed in 1896 and is known for its Italian Renaissance-style architecture.

The project is being developed by Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment, which acquired the building in 2009 as part of its efforts to restore historic properties in Downtown Cairo.

Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment acquired the building in 2009, with restoration work beginning in April 2016. The project, developed in collaboration with Alchemy and Ebony & Ivory, took approximately two years before the building reopened in May 2018.

The latest phase focuses on transforming its courtyard into a retail and dining space in collaboration with Zaro Architects and Alchemy Group.

The restored courtyard will accommodate nine local businesses, including Italian restaurant Andiamo, specialty coffee shop Floating Cups, homeware brand ANŪT, and art and design gallery Le LAB.

Other businesses joining the space include Santriyya, Maison Gamil, Beauts, Mix & Match, and Huwa Designs, bringing together food, fashion, jewellery, and design.

The building’s courtyard has been designed in collaboration with Zaro Architects and Alchemy Group, with plans to create a shared space for shopping, dining, and cultural activities.

La Viennoise previously underwent restoration work in 2016, earning the Tarsheed Commercial Renovation certification for meeting sustainability standards. According to Al Ismaelia’s company profile, the project was developed with designers Karim Mekhtigian of Alchemy and Mohamed Said of Ebony & Ivory.

The building also houses offices for Sarwa Capital and Contact Financial Holding, alongside Mazeej Balad, a boutique hotel featuring five suites and a rooftop restaurant overlooking Downtown Cairo.

The latest development forms part of Al Ismaelia’s wider efforts to restore and repurpose historic buildings across Downtown Cairo, including Cinema Radio, Tamara Haus, and Consoleya.

The project also comes amid broader efforts to preserve Downtown Cairo’s architectural heritage. On 25 October, Cairo Governorate announced that restoration work in the Khedivial Cairo district was continuing, with a focus on preserving historic façades, upgrading infrastructure, and encouraging the reuse of heritage properties.