Urbana

Urbana (formerly B. Blau Holdings Ltd.) was founded by entrepreneur Baruch Blau, one of the pioneers in urban renewal in Israel. The company’s activities span 20 years, involving the construction of hundreds of apartments and tens of thousands of square meters of commercial and office space. Currently, Urbana is initiating and building residential, commercial, and office projects, urban renewal, and rental housing – primarily in Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, and the surrounding areas. The company focuses on unique development projects, strategic locations with broad urban impact, and a strong emphasis on design and architecture.

Company Milestones

In 2012, Baruch Blau founded Terra (formerly ‘Renewal’), a company specializing in initiating and executing urban renewal projects. Under his leadership as Chairman (2012-2024), the company became a leader in urban renewal in Jerusalem, with over 50 projects and more than 15,000 housing units. Alongside Terra’s growth, Baruch established B. Blau Holdings (now Urbana), and in 2024, sold his stake in Terra to focus on developing the Urbana brand.

Connecting People

Urbana believes in people and genuine human connections. These values allow it to initiate and execute some of the most significant and impactful projects in the construction industry. Combined with a stable and strong financial backing, these factors make the company a central player in Israel’s real estate landscape.

Company Values

Several core values guide Urbana: the personal connection it builds with its clients, which can be described as the beating heart of the company, creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, reliability and transparency toward clients and suppliers, innovation driving tomorrow’s projects, and market leadership as a company at the forefront of activity.

Selected Projects

The company has planned and built over 65 projects, comprising approximately 13,000 housing units and around 15 commercial centers (some in partnerships) across the country. Notable projects include:

Shderot Ha’Amoraim, Ramat D, Beit Shemesh - A mixed-use project combining commerce, office space, and currently undergoing rezoning to add three residential buildings containing around 140 housing units, as well as approximately 10,000 square meters of local commerce and office space. The project is located at the heart of Shderot Ha’amoraim in Ramat D4, Beit Shemesh, with the commercial center situated in a large and special park spanning more than 6 dunams.

Sheinfeld Neighborhood, Beit Shemesh - A mixed-use project combining commerce and office space, currently undergoing rezoning to add 93 housing units in two innovative and luxurious buildings above a 2,500-square-meter urban commercial center. The project is located in the heart of the old Sheinfeld neighborhood in the city.

Havakuk HaNavi, Beit Shemesh - A mixed-use project combining commerce and office space, currently undergoing rezoning to add 17 residential apartments above the commercial and office areas. The project is located in the heart of the sought-after G1 neighborhood.

Achiya HaShiloni, Beit Shemesh - A mixed-use project combining commerce and office space, currently undergoing rezoning to add 12 residential apartments above the commercial and office areas. The project is located in the heart of the popular G1 neighborhood.

Neve Shamir, Beit Shemesh - A mixed-use project combining commerce and office space, currently undergoing rezoning to add three residential buildings containing around 200 housing units, as well as a massive office and commercial tower with over 25,000 square meters.

Neve HaPisga, Pisgat Ze’ev - A mixed-use project combining housing and commerce, including a building with around 15 apartments and a commercial and office center covering approximately 700 square meters.

Urbana Center, Karnei Shomron - A one-of-a-kind commercial center in Samaria, covering approximately 1,500 square meters and featuring leading national stores and chains.

Urbana Center, Dimona - A medical, commercial, food, and beverage center covering approximately 1,000 square meters, located in the heart of the southern city.

Efrat Center Mall, HaZait Neighborhood, Efrat - A shopping, commercial, and office complex covering approximately 15,000 square meters.  Built in collaboration with the Indigo Menivim Group, it will feature stores from top national chains, including Be Pharm, Shuk Ha’ir, Mizrahi Tefahot Bank, Meuhedet HMO, Clalit HMO, Nizat Haduvdevan, Nechama Bakery, Katzefet, and more.