Mar Mikhael: Still peaking or overheating?

Toward the end of the year 2010, something strange began happening in the Mar Mikhael neighbourhood. Usually visited when a car was in need of repairs or as an escape from the highway traffic, it saw design bookshops, art spaces and trendy fashion boutiques popping up in its little alleys. They were followed by a couple of restaurants and bistros along with a hotel — all in charming renovated heritage homes. Today Mar Mikhael is unrecognizable from its former self, with a plethora of eateries, pubs and art spaces amidst the mechanics and industrial venues which are still in operation during the day. Though some applaud this as modern urbanization and progress, others warn that it could be in danger of being another Gemmayze — which saw a significant drop in footfall after it had been a nightlife destination — or worse yet, a gentrified area. Mukhtar Bshara Ghniem says that Gemmayze