Ah, the bittersweet taste of nostalgia! On July 15, 2023, a chapter closed in the heart of Vienna as Amon’s Gastwirtschaft, a beloved restaurant that had been serving patrons since 1904, shut its doors after 119 years of operation. This historic establishment, acquired by Leopold Amon I. in a charming 1875 building, has been in the hands of the Amon family for four generations. Now, Doris and Leopold Amon IV. are transitioning into a new era, with their daughter Melanie already stepping into the fold of the fifth generation.
As the dust settles on this iconic eatery, plans are in motion for its future. At the site on Schlachthausgasse 13/Würtzlerstraße 10, two residential buildings are set to rise. The project, in the capable hands of Handler, will be designed by architect Andreas Hawlik. Completion is slated for the fall of 2027. With the foundation laid, the excitement of new beginnings is palpable.
Transforming a Legacy
The new residential development will breathe fresh life into the area, replacing the old restaurant with 25 condominiums and 15 rental apartments. Interestingly, while the buildings will modernize the landscape, the facade and the old wine cellar of Amon’s Gastwirtschaft will be preserved, keeping a piece of history intact. It’s a delicate balance, isn’t it? The Amons are personally overseeing this ambitious project, which began construction on March 30, 2023. Talk about a family affair!
As the project unfolds, the former wine cellar will continue to serve a purpose; it is slated to be available for future celebrations. Isn’t it lovely to think that even as the restaurant fades into memory, parts of it will still be part of community gatherings? The old restaurant’s inventory is being stored and will be reused after the construction is completed, adding another layer of continuity to this transition.
Community and Connection
With the residential buildings, a connected underground garage will be a practical touch, while the entrance will feature a wash station for dogs and bicycles—talk about modern living! However, not all grand plans came to fruition; an originally proposed medical center had to be shelved due to a lack of available doctors. The price of a condominium starts at €290,000, which might raise a few eyebrows, but in Vienna’s housing market, it’s all part of the game.
This project marks the Amons’ first foray into construction, and it’s a big one! The old adage “out with the old, in with the new” rings true here, but it’s fascinating how this transformation echoes the history of social housing in Vienna. A study spanning a century of social space in Vienna’s housing—from the 1920s to today—highlights the evolution of residential design and the importance of community spaces. With challenges like climate change and changing societal needs, the focus on creating livable environments continues to be paramount.
In the end, it’s a story of change, resilience, and maintaining connections to the past while looking ahead. As we stand on the cusp of new beginnings in the Schlachthausgasse, one can’t help but feel a mix of excitement and sentimentality. Who knows what the future holds? But for now, the spirit of Amon’s Gastwirtschaft will linger in the air, a fond memory as fresh as the paint on those new walls.