ULI Greece & Cyprus organised a site visit and presentation of the “ART 1” office building as part of the “Buildings we Admire” series of events. The event was originally scheduled on 26th January 2023, but due to bad weather it was postponed and finally took place on Thursday 9^th February. Attendees had the opportunity to learn how an old office building was refurbished entirely from core to shell, upgraded to an A+ energy rating and transformed into a future-proof working space.

The event was opened by Iason Ntounis, Architect of Neiheiser Argyros, who led the tour and finished by an insightful discussion at the amphitheater of the building where Errikos Arrones, CEO of Hellenic Properties and Iason shared the story of the ART1.

“There is much hype around green or ESG-certified buildings in Greece. As all big investors advertise green buildings and their high marketability, we tend to forget that there are only 70 green-certified buildings in Greece today. Over 95% of Greece’s buildings are small/medium-sized (under 2,000 sqm) and need major renovation. This is the main reason Hellenic Properties is focusing on this neglected market segment, but critically important,” as Errikos Arones highlighted.

“The renovation of the Art 1 building proves that old and abandoned building shells can be redesigned and not only accommodate but also promote new modern workplaces” as Iason Ntounis commented.