Second Mahanaim House

The Second Mahanaim House is an office building and heritage site on Shivtei Israel Street that combines Neoclassical design with local stone materials. The symmetrical facade features distinctive columns and a formal entrance, with the structure following European architectural principles throughout its layout and details.

A Swiss banker named Johannes Frutiger commissioned this residence in 1885 when Jerusalem was expanding beyond its ancient walls. The building was constructed during a period when wealthy Europeans began establishing themselves in new neighborhoods outside the traditional settlement areas.

The building reflects European design traditions brought by international residents to Jerusalem during the 1800s. It shows how wealthy foreigners created homes that blended their own architectural heritage with the local building materials and customs of the time.

The site sits on a sloped street in a historic neighborhood that is walkable from older areas of Jerusalem. The stone structure can be viewed from the street, and the surrounding area contains other heritage buildings worth exploring while you are nearby.

The name Mahanaim comes from Hebrew biblical texts and refers to a place connected to the division of ancient Israel. This local naming choice shows how modern Jerusalem draws connections between its contemporary development and deeper historical roots.