Migros shopping center «Drachencenter»

The new Migros Shopping Center called “Drachencenter” opened its doors in the neighbourhood of Aeschenvorstadt on November 27, 2008, after just 20 months of construction. The ambitious project was developed by B+P on the joined land of the old Drachencenter, the former Birkhäu­ser printing works and the acquired Cratanderstrasse. During the projects, numerous obstacles had to be overcome, e.g. the reversal of the status as protected land, the change of zones, the protection of Roman tombs, the control of leftover pollution (asbestos, storage of oil, gasoline and chemicals).

Two above ground and four underground storeys were built on the inner-city land estate. In Aeschenvorstadt, a 7 stories high old building which remained in use during the construction work delimits the corner of the building site. This required elaborate construction measures to prevent sliding into the excavation area. On the Henric Petri-Strasse on the opposite side, a new building which is acoustically separated and situated above the shop levels connects to the site.

The new Migros shopping center with a sales store area of 2,500m2 has replaced the former Kirschgarten subsidiary. It benefits from an unusual but prominent situation on the 1st floor and it is equipped with roof windows. This feature made it possible to set up a mall of approx. 2,200 m2 on the ground floor with small shop areas which relate to the arcade character of the old 1957 Drachencenter. In the rear of Henric Petri-Strasse one finds the entrance to the residential building and the staff access, a 3-vehicle truck delivery hall and the car entry to 204 parking spaces.

Whilst maintaining the overriding facade structure, the fusion of old and new building styles is highlighted by the addition of contemporary construction on the 1st floor. The new version of the existing oriel sets this floor clearly apart from the highly structured residential and office floors. The element which previously had an added-on effect now represents the new-building volume of the Migros store which penetrates the old building style and protrudes into the neighbourhood of Aeschenvorstadt. Glass slats on the outside filter and break up the activities going on in the background. Together with coloured LED lighting and the Migros logo, the slat screen displays the name of the new Drachencenter.

At present, the extension and conversion of the upper storeys of the old building to be renovated covering two office floors and 23 apartments are under construction, as well as the 4-storey residential building Henric-Petri-Strasse with 34 apartments which are located above the shopping center.