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A historical mansion is revived in Salt
By Dana Zyadat, Jordan News
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SALT — Siblings Aktham and Abdullah Arabiyat were walking downtown in their native city of Salt when they came across a deserted 140-year-old yellow stone building; inspired by the building, the Arabiyat siblings set out to reinvent what is now known as the Akthams 1881 Coffee House.اضافة اعلان
The siblings graduated with engineering degrees a year apart. After a lengthy and unsuccessful job search, the Arabiyat siblings found hope in their hometown›s ancient yet abandoned building.
Vacant and forgotten for the past 60 years, the building has been owned by the Daoud family.
Due to complications of ownership, familial heritage, and the presence of dozens of heirs to the property, approval to renovate and rent the building was hard to obtain.
Siblings Aktham and Abdullah Arabiyat revived a 140-year-old building in Salt into a new coffee house named Akthams 1881 Coffee House. (Photos: Handouts from Akthams 1881 Coffee House)
After meeting and getting the signatures of each and every one of the 150 stakeholders related to the property, the siblings were finally able to launch their renovation project.
According to Abdullah, COVID-19 delayed the grand opening. Still, earlier this year, Akthams 1881 Coffee House opened its doors to visitors and quickly made the coffee house into a cultural hub, a venue for social activities, and a landmark in the UNESCO-protected city.
Visitors can enter the old mansion and enjoy the view of the ancient city of Salt from the balconies of the building, which overlook the Al-Ain (spring) Plaza in the city center.
Behind Akthams, there is an old building designated as an exhibition for vintage medical instruments. It was once part of the English compound that housed the first hospital in Transjordan, built before World War I, along with a church and a school.
Before opening the coffee house to visitors, the brothers rented the place to moviemakers during the renovation process. This allowed them to make enough revenue to complete the makeover as young entrepreneurs.
USAID also lent a helping hand; the brothers shared with Jordan News.
Siblings Aktham and Abdullah Arabiyat revived a 140-year-old building in Salt into a new coffee house named Akthams 1881 Coffee House. (Photos: Handouts from Akthams 1881 Coffee House)
The place is home to a space used by local women to display their handmade artifacts and paintings. Individuals and organizations can also rent the facilities within the space for activities such as workshops and symposiums.
In addition to the cafe and display space, there is a historically-styled library decorated with old designs that hold rare books for people to enjoy reading with their coffee. The venue is perfect for students who seek a tranquil place to study and sip their favorite drinks.
The coffee house offers smoking and non-smoking areas, and is one of the few places in Salt to provide a non-smoking option. They also offer fresh Italian herbal drinks supplied by local special herb shops.
Visitors can enjoy traditional breakfast pastries, special meals prepared by local women, or food supplied by other restaurants, giving them options to enjoy the town›s culinary heritage.
Next in store for this renovated historical landmark is opening up a professional kitchen, as the two partners seek to add catering to their business.
Read more Property
The siblings graduated with engineering degrees a year apart. After a lengthy and unsuccessful job search, the Arabiyat siblings found hope in their hometown›s ancient yet abandoned building.
Vacant and forgotten for the past 60 years, the building has been owned by the Daoud family.
Due to complications of ownership, familial heritage, and the presence of dozens of heirs to the property, approval to renovate and rent the building was hard to obtain.
Siblings Aktham and Abdullah Arabiyat revived a 140-year-old building in Salt into a new coffee house named Akthams 1881 Coffee House. (Photos: Handouts from Akthams 1881 Coffee House)
After meeting and getting the signatures of each and every one of the 150 stakeholders related to the property, the siblings were finally able to launch their renovation project.
According to Abdullah, COVID-19 delayed the grand opening. Still, earlier this year, Akthams 1881 Coffee House opened its doors to visitors and quickly made the coffee house into a cultural hub, a venue for social activities, and a landmark in the UNESCO-protected city.
Visitors can enter the old mansion and enjoy the view of the ancient city of Salt from the balconies of the building, which overlook the Al-Ain (spring) Plaza in the city center.
Behind Akthams, there is an old building designated as an exhibition for vintage medical instruments. It was once part of the English compound that housed the first hospital in Transjordan, built before World War I, along with a church and a school.
Before opening the coffee house to visitors, the brothers rented the place to moviemakers during the renovation process. This allowed them to make enough revenue to complete the makeover as young entrepreneurs.
USAID also lent a helping hand; the brothers shared with Jordan News.
Siblings Aktham and Abdullah Arabiyat revived a 140-year-old building in Salt into a new coffee house named Akthams 1881 Coffee House. (Photos: Handouts from Akthams 1881 Coffee House)
The place is home to a space used by local women to display their handmade artifacts and paintings. Individuals and organizations can also rent the facilities within the space for activities such as workshops and symposiums.
In addition to the cafe and display space, there is a historically-styled library decorated with old designs that hold rare books for people to enjoy reading with their coffee. The venue is perfect for students who seek a tranquil place to study and sip their favorite drinks.
The coffee house offers smoking and non-smoking areas, and is one of the few places in Salt to provide a non-smoking option. They also offer fresh Italian herbal drinks supplied by local special herb shops.
Visitors can enjoy traditional breakfast pastries, special meals prepared by local women, or food supplied by other restaurants, giving them options to enjoy the town›s culinary heritage.
Next in store for this renovated historical landmark is opening up a professional kitchen, as the two partners seek to add catering to their business.
Read more Property
