“High-rise planned for Omotesando former public housing site.” This headline captures a significant change for the Aoyama Kitamachi Apaato. This city-operated public housing complex once stood on this prime Omotesando site.
Aoyama Kitamachi Apaato held a unique place in Tokyo’s landscape. It occupied a large 40,000 sqm area. The complex consisted of 25 buildings. These buildings housed 586 apartments. Constructed between 1957 and 1968 the buildings aged over time.
The Aoyama Kitamachi Apaato buildings were mostly four or five stories tall. Many lacked elevators. Early apartments even lacked private bathrooms. Residents used local bathhouses in those days.
Tokyo City began preparing the site for redevelopment in 2006. They gradually relocated residents. By 2016 almost half the apartments were vacant.
Demolition started in 2017. The plan was to complete the project for the 2020 Summer Olympics. The Aoyama Kitamachi Apaato was slated for replacement. A 20-story high-rise apartment building would take its place.
The redevelopment aimed to modernize the area. The new high-rise would offer updated amenities. It was designed to meet contemporary housing needs.
The demolition process included asbestos removal. Asbestos sheeting and spray-on insulation were present. These materials were used in roofing plumbing and chimneys.
Six developers were chosen for the project. These included Tokyo Tatemono Mitsui Fudosan and Kajima Corporation. Maeda Corporation was also among them.
The new development was not just about housing. Plans included aged care facilities and retail space. This would create a mixed-use environment.
The location of Aoyama Kitamachi Apaato is prime. It is in the heart of Omotesando. This area is known for fashion houses cafes and restaurants.
Aoyama itself is divided into Kita-Aoyama and Minami-Aoyama. Kita-Aoyama is north of Aoyama-dori Street. Minami-Aoyama lies to the south.
The name Aoyama comes from a samurai Aoyama Tadanari. He served the Tokugawa shogunate. His mansion was in this area.
Today Aoyama is a popular spot for young people. Omotesando rivals Shibuya and Harajuku. It is famous for its fashion and dining.
The Aoyama Kitamachi Apaato redevelopment reflects Tokyo’s evolution. It balances modern needs with the area’s rich history. The high-rise is a new chapter for this Omotesando location.