What will become of the 'Lamarr'? Plans for Mariahilfer Strasse uncertain

What will become of the 'Lamarr'? Plans for Mariahilfer Strasse uncertain

At the location of the former Leiner furniture store on Mariahilfer Straße, an unfinished shell causes a sensation because the future of the project is uncertain. The Signa Group once had big plans, including a luxury class department store complex and a hotel that was to be opened in 2025. Now the responsibility for the shell building lies with the new owner, Georg Stumpf, and the exact orientation of the project is currently still unclear.

A spokesman for construction councilor Kathrin Gaal (SPÖ) confirmed that Stumpf can continue the construction project. However, it needs the necessary permits, such as for the installation of building containers in parking spaces. Should blunt changes to the original concept, it will have to be in close contact with the authorities. A modification towards office uses is possible, but a special permit is required.

offices and retail: possible uses

The town hall emphasizes that use of the area for office as part of the mixed use is quite permitted. However, a so -called plan change permit is required if the changes to the construction are extensive. The new operator will also have to set up some shops on the ground floor to meet the requirements of the business zone. This ensures that the location stays alive and the customer: offers a variety of offers inside.

A fixed part of the original plan was a publicly accessible roof terrace, for which a right of use, also called Servitut, was agreed. According to City Councilor Gaal's office, a completion indicator for the project cannot be granted as long as this agreement is not complied with. However, there are currently no official applications for changes to the plans, which reinforces the uncertainty about the future of the building.

The Stumpf Development GmbH, however, indicated that the later usage concept should be developed in close coordination with the city and the district. The construction work could possibly be resumed before the end of the year, provided that the exams of possible damage from the downtime has been successfully completed. The building has been in the Sleeping Beauty sleep since the bankruptcy of the Signa Group last December and is waiting for a future-oriented decision.

As the "Lamarr" project continues, it remains to be seen. The upcoming discussions between Georg Stumpf and the city authorities could be crucial for the future use and design of the location. The process is closely observed by urban planners because it is important for both the surroundings and the economic development of Mariahilfer Straße.

More details and developments can be found in a report on wien.orf.at