The Intercontinental Hotel in the Abdeen district of Cairo will not be demolished, as the building is considered a category C heritage site, said Mohammed Abu Saada, head of the Cultural Development Fund at the Ministry of Culture.
Instead, the building will be subject to maintenance, renovation and interior modifications, while its façade, structure, and exterior shape will be maintained as is. Abu Saada said the hotel will be able to continue operating once renovations are complete.
The four-story hotel is owned by the Egyptian General Company for Tourism & Hotels, which obtained development approval from the Cairo governorate at the beginning of December.
Heritage buildings are divided into three main categories according to their importance, traditional values, and their state. Heritage classification is also determined by its architectural heritage and recommendations by restoration experts. The classification is meant to prioritise preservation efforts, and the most important buildings are given top priority on the preservation list.
Category A designated heritage sites are subject to limited internal and external modifications. Category B also restricts external modifications but is more flexible in regards to modifications made to the inside of the structure. Category C buildings may be subject to demolition and extensive internal modifications provided the structure and exterior facade can be maintained.
