Omotesando Avenue, the tree-lined boulevard leading up to Meiji Shrine, is one of Tokyo's most beautiful streets. After many years of wrangling, though, from the end of March its much-loved look will begin to change dramatically, when demolition crews move in to tear down the Aoyama Apartment Houses that for 75 years have been one of its most prominent features.
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| An artist's impression from Omotesando Avenue of the complex that will replace the Dojunkai Aoyama Apartment Houses. |
The 1.2-hectare complex's 10, three-story buildings with their classical modernist design, and walls clad in ivy that turns to vivid green in summer, will then make way for a new six-story building with a 260-meter avenue frontage that is scheduled for completion by the end of 2005.