The ‘Red House’’ is one of the oldest houses in Ras Beirut. It is distinguishable by its bright red shutters and white walls and is one of only two houses in Hamra that still retain its traditional red roof tiles. Within its walls reside traditional arches and the original tiles. It remains a symbol of a different era, in the concrete jungle that Hamra has become. In recent years Hamra’s ‘Red House’ has come under threat when, due to a family dispute, the owners evicted the residing tenants and moved to demolish this hidden treasure.
The first story of the ‘Red House’ was built in the 1970s, and the Raheiz family added the second in the 1800s. The Raheiz family settled in the area in which modern Hamra now resides 400 years ago, and gradually rose in stature in Lebanese society and bought land across Hamra. By the time they bought the ‘Red House,’ the Raheiz family represented one of the most prominent Orthodox families in Ras Beirut.
Campaign Goals
- Preserve the ‘Red House’
- Finding a use that could make it accessible to the public
