Al Mur Tower, Beirut

Al Mur Tower is an iconic and controversial skyscraper located in the heart of Beirut. Standing about 140 meters tall with 40 stories, the building was initially intended to be an office block under the name Beirut Trade Center. Its construction commenced in 1970, driven by the sponsorship of the Mur brothers. However, the outbreak of the Lebanese civil war in 1975 brought the construction to an abrupt halt.

For decades, Al Mur Tower has stood incomplete, a massive concrete shell that has not only dominated Beirut’s skyline but also served as a stark reminder of the city's troubled past. The tower’s original purpose was transformed during the war when it was used as a sniper's nest, adding to its dark legacy. Although the war ended in 1990, the building has remained untouched, its empty floors echoing the conflict's devastation.

Post-war, while other structures in Beirut were reconstructed or replaced, Al Mur Tower was left in limbo. It even briefly served as an army base, further complicating its history and use. Once the tallest building in Beirut, it has been surpassed by newer skyscrapers like Sama Beirut Tower and Marina Towers Beirut, yet it remains a significant feature in the cityscape.

Currently, the building's fate is still undecided, with possibilities including demolition or renovation as part of the ongoing urban development managed by Solidere in their master plan. This decision remains pivotal, as it could either erase a traumatic landmark or transform it into a beacon of renewal and resilience.