The Project at a Glance
- At 3 Löwengasse, a historic commercial building was renovated, highlighting its original architectural features.
-
A total of 17 apartments were built, ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 rooms.
-
The historic building was raised by one story.
- The project contributes to urban densification by creating new housing.
- With its communal living arrangements, it offers modern living spaces suited to different stages of life.
The "Zum Schönfels" building in St. Gallen's Old Town combines historic architecture with a new use. What was once a textile factory is now a residential building.
The “Zum Schönfels” property at Löwengasse 3 in the heart of St. Gallen stretches from Brühlgasse, where a small square is being created, to Löwengasse. Nestled within an early perimeter block, the building retains its original structure, which is already visible on Matthäus Merian’s 1642 city map. Mergers and additions, which met the needs of the time, led to the building’s current volume and the varying eave heights. These additions are a typical feature of St. Gallen’s Old Town. Only in this way could the heart of St. Gallen transform and retain its appeal as a residential, commercial, and social hub. This adaptability of the structure is the core of the building and the essential characteristic of the Old Town. Therefore, the building elements worthy of preservation and those that define the building’s character should be preserved and showcased. The basement, the office on the ground floor, and the stairwell will be brought to light and revealed through the renovation.
The top five duplex apartments have access to private rooftop terraces.
Reto Egloff,
Architect, RETO EGLOFF ARCHITECT AG
Reto Egloff,
Architect, RETO EGLOFF ARCHITECT AG
Behind a glass fire wall, 17 washing towers stand side by side beneath the vaulted cellar ceiling.
First Name Last Name,
Position, Company
Reto Egloff,
Architect, RETO EGLOFF ARCHITECT AG
Historical context
The property on Löwengasse is located in the heart of St. Gallen’s Old Town and is closely integrated into the historic urban fabric. The building’s structure dates back to the Middle Ages and was carefully expanded as part of the redevelopment project. The site exemplifies high-quality infill development within the existing built environment: historically grown, centrally located, and purposefully redeveloped to create additional living space within the existing Old Town.
ARCHITECT AG
Are you interested in a real estate development project in the city of St. Gallen?
Please contact us.
Business Development Office, City of St. Gallen
+41 71 22 44 747
Email
Samuel Zuberbühler
Head of Economic Development, City of St. Gallen
+41 7122 45757
Email
