Construction Underway

Arriving in Istanbul in 1986 and seconded from Citibank to the Central Bank of Türkiye, I was tasked with a design and reconstruction challenge, renovating the dilapidatedHotel Dragos on the Marmara Sea into the Center for International Banking Studies (CIBS) and turning it a world class residential training center for bankers.

Classrooms and team breakout rooms were created out of common areas that had previously been the lower-level restaurant and mezzanine level public spaces.

66 bedrooms on three floors each with ensuite bathrooms, were redesigned to accommodate double occupancy and study spaces. The bedroom hallways were refreshed with bright colors, unique patterns to break up their length, and especially commissioned carpeting.

The restaurant on the shore of the Marmara Sea was reconfigured and a new kitchen fitted.

A new power plant was installed in the basement of the main building, while throughout electrical and plumbing lines were replaced or renovated.

And, after an inspection by Citibank occupational health and safety experts, a new external fire escape stairway was erected to the side of the building.

My new book about this project is a story about a rapidly changing industry and a personal journey.

“A Lost Chapter in the Transformation of the Turkish Banking Industry” will be published soon.