Committed to preserving historical and architectural heritage, Attijariwafa bank signs the restoration of the façade of the iconic “Lahrizi Building” in Casablanca

Casablanca, 16 December 2021 - Driven by an ambitious and dedicated CSR policy, the Attijariwafa bank group reiterates its commitment to preserve the heritage value of buildings that are now iconic and architectural symbols, vectors of history in various cities in the Kingdom. 

The Attijariwafa bank group is the guardian of a century-old banking know how and has an authentic passion for beautiful buildings. It is the owner of vast and iconic architectural properties, some of which are listed or registered as Historic Monuments, a testimony to the extraordinary modern architectural adventure of the 20th century in Morocco. Buildings that have alternately seen important personalities come and go and have witnessed historic and economic events marking the architectural history of cities. Even today, their ancient stones continue to tell the tales of a country and the history of a people. From one generation to the next, from one family to the next, merchants, industrialists, craftsmen, have been able to start their businesses and make them flourish in these settings steeped in history. 

Through the renovations that have been undertaken, aiming at offering better ergonomics to customers and employees, many rehabilitated sites have thus revealed precious testimonies on the rich human, social and commercial adventure of the Attijariwafa bank group.

The program that has been launched has targeted a dozen buildings and is based on the implementation of preservation rules and principles of rehabilitating historic sites and their structuring, while adapting them to contemporary needs.

Thus, since June 2019, the program has involved buildings built between 1921 and the 1950s, such as the Istiqlal building in Essaouira (1920), Marrakech Medina (1921), Sidi Slimane Center (1945), Tangier Rue de Belgique (1948) and Tangier Pasteur (1950).

Today, it is time for the facade of the iconic Lahrizi building in Casablanca to regain its former splendor. Named after the street Driss Lahrizi (ex. Galliéni), the building, which was the head office of the former Banque Commerciale du Maroc from the 1930s to the 1970s, is part of the second generation of banks in Morocco. This sober architectural gem signed by Marius Boyer, near the administrative center and near the legendary boulevard Mohammed V, is one of the most unique buildings in the area today.

As for the interior of the building which is home to banking activities, its rehabilitation also started a few years ago, and is still going on today in order to progressively fit it out with the necessary facilities that will allow its staff to provide the necessary comfort and conditions to meet their customers’ needs.

After nearly 12 months of rehabilitation work on the facade of this building, the Attijariwafa bank group is writing a new chapter and telling the story of one of the most prestigious locations on Galliéni Street. The frontispiece of the Lahrizi building regains its splendor and is exhibited with more pride than ever. The elegance of its particular shape and complex geometry, the history of its stones, the monumentality of its postcard towers, the harmonious and meticulous details of its facades and the quality of the materials used, are all elements that have been magnified, flattered and preserved to affirm an uncompromising modernity and to credibly attest to the memory of a legendary building.

Press Contact - Attijariwafa bank group
Mrs Ouafaa GHAOUAT
Media Relations Manager
Phone: 00212 647 47 32 90
Email: o.ghaouat@attijariwafa.com