JLL Announces Completion of €4 Million Torel Palace Lisbon Restoration Project
The real estate project management firm JLL has formally announced the completion of a comprehensive restoration of the Torel Palace Lisbon, a historic 19th-century building now operating as a five-star boutique hotel and luxury apartment complex. The project, located on a prominent hill in the Portuguese capital, represents a significant development in Lisbon's luxury hospitality sector. The announcement confirms the successful transformation of a building classified as a National Monument into a modern, high-end accommodation facility.
The project specifications detail a construction area of 1,400 square meters, with a total investment of four million euros. The scope of the work, managed and supervised by JLL's Project & Development Services team, included extensive structural reinforcement of all floors, the installation of new foundations with micropiles, and a complete replacement of the roof. The building, formerly occupied by the National Civil Protection Authority (ANPC), had undergone numerous alterations that obscured its original architectural character. The restoration focused on returning the palace to its authentic state.
The construction timeline spanned over four years, a period that included significant operational challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite these hurdles, the project proceeded with a strict mandate to preserve the building's historical elements. Maria da Cunha e Menezes, Head of P&DS at JLL, confirmed that key architectural features, such as ornate ceilings, original woodwork, and a distinctive turret with a spiral staircase, were meticulously restored. The project also required careful protection of the adjacent historic Calçada do Lavra wall during complex foundation work.
The architectural design was guided by the principle of honoring the building's legacy while meeting the functional requirements of a modern luxury hotel. The result is a facility comprising 31 rooms and suites, 10 high-quality apartments, an outdoor swimming pool, and a spa and treatment center. The development also houses two dining establishments: the 2 Monkeys restaurant, which holds one Michelin star, and the Black Pavilion restaurant, offering a more contemporary dining experience. The project was developed for the Torel Boutiques group, a notable operator in the Portuguese luxury hotel market.
JLL managed the financing arrangements and investment partnerships, coordinating the entire construction contracting process. This involved a rigorous selection of specialized subcontractors to ensure the technical solutions and materials used were appropriate for a heritage building. The firm's role was to guide the rehabilitation from initial planning through to the final opening, ensuring compliance with both historical preservation standards and modern safety codes. The project is expected to have a positive local economic impact by attracting tourism and contributing to the revitalization of the surrounding area.
The Torel Palace Lisbon is now fully operational, prepared to receive guests seeking luxury accommodation in a historically significant setting. The project serves as a case study in the complex process of rehabilitating national monuments for commercial use, balancing preservation with the demands of the international travel market. The successful completion underscores the growing demand for high-end, experience-focused real estate in Lisbon.
Monitor new development opportunities at realestate-lisbon.com.
