Excitement over conversion

New “pearl” or sin in Graz’s UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Graz's main square with the Archduke Johann Fountain, with the building at Hauptplatz 6 on the left.(Bild: Christian Jauschowetz)

Huge excitement about a building project in the center of the Styrian capital: right on Hauptplatz, in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the renovation of a centuries-old building is planned, including changes to the roof.

Anyone who has lived in Graz knows that the World Heritage title is virtually sacrosanct, and the ASVK's old town conservationists are watching over the UNESCO award like the proverbial sticklers. Well, at least that's what you would think. Because time and again, exceptions cause uproar or conditions are imposed that are never implemented.

"How can that be reconciled?"
Now rumors are once again doing the rounds about a project where many are asking themselves how this can be reconciled with the strict ASVK regulations. A building is to be converted right on the main square, in the area declared as protection zone 1 under the Old Town Preservation Act, where the strictest "rules of the game" apply as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the so-called town house "Zum großen Christoph" (the façade fresco depicts St. Christopher) from the 17th century.

This 17th century house, located directly on Graz's main square and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is to be renovated.(Bild: Krone)

It is said that the time-honored walls will be completely renovated - and a restaurant with a spectacular roof terrace will move in at the top. "Yes, at least that was our first application - but this concept was not approved by the ASVK," explains owner Albin Schwarz.

 "The house is being rebuilt historically, so to speak"
Now apartments are to be built, including changes to the roofscape, which is crucial for the UNESCO title. "We will build dormers, just like they used to be. The house will be virtually restored to its historical state - we will also restore the windows to their original condition. The house will be a real gem," Schwarz is convinced.

This is the ASVK

The Grazer-Altstadtsachverständigenkommission (ASVK) is a collegial body consisting of 8 members, 8 substitute members and 2 advisory lawyers, who are appointed by the provincial government for a period of 5 years. The current chairman is architect Alfred Bramberger.

The project has been with the building authority for four years (!). "I actually wanted to give it all up, but it's a project close to my heart. In the meantime, all the positive opinions have been received from the Monuments Office to the ASVK - we are now waiting for the building permit." According to reports, however, there were heated discussions in the commission, and in the end the forces that gave the conversion the green light prevailed.

UNESCO is monitoring the situation
Of course, UNESCO is also keeping a close eye on events in the Styrian capital. "The visual integrity of the historic roofscape is particularly important. We are in contact with the building authorities in this regard," explains Florian Meixner from the Austrian commission.