Background
The former Yugoslav army headquarters in Belgrade, which was bombed during the US-led NATO strikes in 1999, has been a symbol of controversy in Serbia.
Project Details
Former US president Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner signed a 99-year lease deal with the Serbian authorities to recondition two buildings at the site of the former military complex.
The Serbian Construction Ministry announced that Kushner’s US-based investment firm Affinity Global Development will invest in revitalizing the buildings in cooperation with relevant institutions responsible for urban planning and cultural heritage protection.
Scope of the Project
- Establishment of a luxury hotel
- Construction of 1,500 residential units
- Creation of a memorial center for the victims of the NATO bombing
Future Plans
Kushner’s wider investment in the Balkans includes projects in Albania and Belgrade, aiming to transform the former military site into a modern complex.
Public Reaction
The project has sparked criticism in Serbia, with concerns raised about the historical significance of the site and its cultural heritage value.
Despite the controversy, Kushner remains committed to the development, sharing early design images of the proposed luxurious glass towers on his Instagram account.
Preservation Efforts
Over 22,000 people in Serbia have signed a petition advocating for the preservation of the buildings, designed by renowned Serbian architect Nikola Dobrovic between 1957 and 1965.
The site was declared a protected “cultural asset” by the Serbian government in 2005, reflecting its historical importance.
