Ohashi Kaikan has been used as a lodging and training facility, but the recent renovation has transformed it into a small-scale complex that includes a hotel for long-term stays, shared offices, a restaurant/cafe, and multipurpose space.
Time-limited renewals are enlivened by the power of people.
Mr. Kazuki Koike, Senior Manager of Business Strategy Group, Urban Development Division of Tokyu Corporation, explained the process leading up to the renewal. Tokyu is also focusing on urban development in the “Greater Shibuya Area (Greater SHIBUYA),” the 1.5-km area around Shibuya Station and its surrounding area, which is undergoing large-scale redevelopment, and decided to renew Ohashi Kaikan with an emphasis on software rather than hardware.
Specifically, the project aims to create a facility with a sense of Ikejiri-Ohashi culture through the participation of many creators active in the Ikejiri-Ohashi area from the planning stage. Although the building is 48 years old, it is undeniably old, but by making the most of this retro feel while at the same time incorporating new initiatives, the complex will be a center for interaction in the community and an initiative to revitalize the town through the power of the neighborhood (local residents, workers, visitors, and others involved in the community).
One of the main reasons for this measure is that it is a provisional use for a limited period of time. The company intends to apply this challenge to the future redevelopment of Ikejiri-Ohashi, and for other areas as well, “We would like to carefully unravel the local context and create a foothold for the community,” he explained. In other areas along the Tokyu railway line, we would like to contribute to urban development from a long-term perspective unique to Tokyu by creating places that will serve as hubs within and outside of the region.
Shogo Otani, CEO/Producer of 301 Inc. explained the details of each floor of the facility: the first floor is occupied by Massif, a café/restaurant/wine bar, and the store & space; Massif is run by an international team and features European and American Massif is run by an international team, and features European and American cuisine with Japanese ingredients and flavors. The Store & Space is a multi-purpose hall that can be used for exhibitions and sales events. As a kick-off, 10 famous designers will be selling original Ohashi Kaikan products until September 3.
The second and third floors are shared offices. The offices are intended for both companies and individuals, and provide a location suitable for their use. Subscribers have access to a shared lounge where they can mingle with other business types. A community director is also in residence, and the lounge can be used to hold exhibitions and presentations, and the company plans to actively disseminate information about Ohashi Kaikan.
The fourth and fifth floors are accommodations that can also be used for long-term stays. A unique feature of the hotel is its “Re-rent” system, which allows guests to rent out their rooms for periods when they are not using them, even during long-term stays. A part of the 5th floor has a private sauna that can be used by reservation only, and is available for use by non-guests as well.
© Source travel watch