Cult Pub Demolition Kick-offs in Hamburg
In the heart of Ottensen, a bustling district of Hamburg, construction machinery has replaced the jovial ambiance of the iconic bar "Aurel," six months after its grand farewell. The historically significant corner house, a landmark since 1860, is being demolished to make way for 34 rental apartments. This development, underway at Alma-Wartenberg-Platz, appears to be progressing at a faster pace than other prominent projects in the district.
The demolition of a side wall on Noeltingstraße uncovers a relic of the past: a sign reading "Fruits and Vegetables," reminding us of a Penny Market that once occupied the space, long abandoned. The forebears of the current property owners had run a small grocery store on this site nearly a century ago, gradually acquiring surrounding properties for business purposes.
The block, which once housed "Aurel," a supermarket, a small flower shop, a boutique, and 17 simple apartments, will soon be home to these 34 apartments. Over the next two years, these accommodations will range from a compact 35-square-meter studio to a four-room apartment suitable for shared living, and a 160-square-meter penthouse. All of these will be rental units, with 20 designated for social housing at a rate of 9.20 euros per square meter.
A pharmacy is also slated to move into the new building, and the "Aurel," a popular secret tip in travel guides, will return to its original location. Despite efforts to preserve the distinctive yellow-red facade of the corner pub in its original form, it proved too fragile, harking back to the time when Altona was Danish. The facade will now be meticulously reconstructed by 2027.
Compared to another large construction site just a few steps away on Barnerstraße, this project at Alma-Wartenberg-Platz appears to be progressing at a brisk pace. For six years, the former pizzeria "Mamma Mia" on Barnerstraße stood empty, with a small biotope thriving on the former restaurant terrace.
In the broader context, Hamburg's Altona district is witnessing a surge in developments focused on furnished apartments, reflecting a vibrant rental market. New residential projects, incorporating modern amenities and prime locations, are typical of urban construction initiatives. Parallels can be drawn with similar developments in other regions such as Altona North and Kiel.
Meanwhile, the escalating popularity of off-the-plan properties, especially in high-growth areas, presents a significant trend in urban and suburban development. This resurgence, driven by strong rental demand and potential tax benefits, underscores the appeal of new developments. Similarly, significant housing projects are underway in areas like Pinneberg, with hundreds of new apartments planned.
As for the Aurel bar restoration, specific updates are not readily available. However, if it forms part of a larger development or renovation project, it may follow a similar trajectory to other restoration efforts in urban areas. Construction progress on the 34 rental apartments in Ottensen is ongoing, with considerations given to modern amenities, local demand, and regulatory compliance.
- With the demolition of the old block on Alma-Wartenberg-Platz, a new chapter in real-estate investing begins, as the site will soon house 34 rental apartments, ranging from studios to a large penthouse, including units designated for social housing.
- The growing demand for modern, urban living spaces in the housing-market is evident in the Altona district of Hamburg, where numerous developments, such as the upcoming 34 rental apartments, are springing up, paralleling similar trends seen in other areas like Altona North and Kiel.
