In the 1970s, a small Athenian single-family house in one of the most central parts of the historic center gave way to the ambitious project of the time by Architect Varagis to become one of the first commercial “Malls” of Athens, a mini skyscraper with unique architecture!
The tallest building in the Commercial Triangle, is a typical example of Athenian Modernism. This architectural movement developed in the interwar years, when the architectural style of Athens moved away from the established standards of neoclassicism and turned, to modernist forms, adopting European trends of the time. In this context, the building is characterized by modernity and bold experimentation, without ceasing to coexist harmoniously with the neighboring neoclassical buildings.
The unique feature of the façade of the approximately 3500 metal tiles covers the building with a metallic silver skin resembling a mini New York style skyscraper offering an extraordinary 360 degrees view of Athens.
It operated as one of the first shopping malls in Athens under the brand name “Mauros”, a true landmark in the neighborhood mainly due to its height and architecture and harmoniously coexisted with traditional and neoclassical buildings of the neighborhood. It is located at a unique crossroad that unites the neighborhood of spices below in Evripidou with Aiolou Pedestrian Street which leads to the hippest square in Athens, Agia Irini square and Ermou Shopping Street.
However, after a period of glory, the building – due to the economic crisis – was gradually abandoned and remained closed for over a decade with the signs of time evident both on the outside and inside of the “silver giant”, as the residents of the surrounding neoclassical buildings call it to this day. The fact that in the original construction of the building there were no windows and the only lighting came from small vertical skylights, made the property in question little to no attraction for any investment for many years.
Although the shadows of decay were apparent, this Athenian skyscraper stood majestically and imperious, waiting for its renaissance!
An ambitious complete renovation project that lasted 8 months -after necessary licensing by the Architects’ Council of Athens- took place in order to preserve the original style and architecture of the building but to also give a breath of fresh air and create something unique in the style of Urban Eclecticism.
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