One of the unique buildings blocks in Haifa is the Old Commercial Center (hereinafter: OCC), located between Jaffa & Ha'atsmaut - ex Kings - roads, near today's Paris Square(ex Hamra Sq.)
The beginning of the OCC was during the British mandate era & it was completed in 1927.Before that, the Order of The Nazareth Sisters had been the owner of this area. The initiative to buy the area was of both public figures and businessmen. It turns out, that they well visualized the business potential of the area, Though it happened long before the port constuction works began.
The construction plans for the center were prepared by engineer Fritz Korenberg of Jerusalem.
The principles of the plans were based on blocks of 3 stories buildings, adorned with small terraces & homogeneous façade. The main façade was supposed to face both the sea & Jaffa Rd.
The completion of the port works, proved the success of this center. The construction plans for the port were prepared by engineer Palmer. The works included deepening of the bottom of the sea & spreading the excavated stuff on the coast line & thus producing a wide dried strip, all together about 360,000 square meters. This strip was designated as infrastructure for the piers, as well as the warehouses. It was also designated as foundation for dwelling houses, offices & shops (at ground floor) and a wide road (that's where Ha'atsmaut Rd.(Kings)is located today).The works at the port began in 1929 & were finished in 1933.
Unfortunately, the glamour of the center was dimmed because of hostility events initiated by Arabs during the years 1936 -1939. That was the reason for a new commercial center to be established in Hadar-Ha'Carmel neighborhood, which was populated mainly by Jewish citizens.

February 2000