After "Krone" appeal:

Wave of enthusiasm for Lamarr Park instead of ruins

Hundreds of Krone readers are backing the idea of a park instead of the ruined department store on Mariahilfer Strasse in Vienna. But other creative ideas are also emerging - and the first calls for the people of Vienna to decide the fate of the concrete block.

The response to the idea of tearing down the ruined department store on Mariahilfer Strasse and creating a park for the Viennese instead exceeded all expectations: Hundreds of readers responded to the "Krone" appeal on Sunday by email or in internet comments. "Brilliant!", "Trees please!", "Wonderful", "Unique opportunity": there was hardly a response that wasn't enthusiastic about the park idea.

"Let the people vote!"
Calls for co-determination are already getting louder: "Let the Viennese people vote on what should happen to the pile of concrete!" says user hefi in an online comment. Mr. C. writes by email that he thinks a park is a "great idea, would be right behind a referendum!" In the view of many, a park would also be good for Mariahilfer Strasse and the stores there, as the area needs an upgrade anyway rather than the "umpteenth temple of consumption", as one reader writes.

"Krone" readers more creative than investors
Even for the current shell of the building, many readers have more creative ideas than investors: one suggestion is that it could be turned into an ecological showcase building with an indoor farm. The first floor could then become a sustainable market hall for fresh produce harvested on the floors above. Another reader suggests dedicating the building to climate change: with themed exhibitions and an exhibit of the "House of the Sea", where endangered species can find a zoo refuge.

Many readers can also imagine social dedications - from a women's shelter to a home for the homeless. Such a facility in the heart of the city would fulfill Vienna's claim to be a city that "leaves no one behind", is the tenor of the opinions. However, most readers believe that Vienna needs buildings for one thing above all else: Living space - even on Mariahilfer Strasse, if the opportunity presents itself.

What would you like to see on Mahü? Shopping or trees, living space or restaurants? Write to us by e-mail or to "Kronen Zeitung", Vienna editorial office, Muthgasse 2, 1190 Vienna.