Sophus Pritzel a name synonymous with innovation and resilience echoes through these walls. Right here stands Pritzels Fabrik a testament to Lyngby’s industrial heritage. This is no ordinary building. It’s a story etched in brick and time.
Pritzels Fabrik began its life on Lyngby’s oldest industrial ground. Back in the 1700s Peter Tutein owned a country house here. Mozart’s widow Constance even visited. Later Carl Chr. Vilhelm Beck rented a garden house here. He built textile machines.
In 1866 Sophus Pritzel a lieutenant took over the machine factory. He made textile machines. Pritzel participated in industrial exhibitions in 1872 and 1888. He won awards for his machines. One of his spinning machines from around 1870 still works today. It’s at Hjelholts Uldspinderi on Funen.
Sophus Pritzel was more than a businessman. He fought in the war of 1864. Legend says he was the last Danish soldier to leave Als. He swam and a gunboat picked him up. He was a well-known figure in Lyngby. He served on the parish council and health commission. Pritzel was also chairman of the Right’s Workers and Voters Association. He belonged to shooting and chess clubs. Sophus Pritzel was one of Denmark’s best chess players. He often played in international tournaments.
Pritzels Fabrik faced many challenges. Fire struck twice during Pritzel’s ownership. In 1875 the building burned down. Pritzel rebuilt it the following year. This new building had the same dimensions as the one you see today. Pritzel’s machine factory occupied the bottom two floors. The top two floors housed factory space for rent. J. L. Binder started his clothing factory here in 1883.
In 1907 fire struck Pritzels Fabrik again. Pritzel was an older man by then. He considered building a house on the foundations. But he decided to rebuild the factory. The current building was completed in 1909. Sadly Pritzel died that same year. His son A. C. M. Pritzel leased most of the factory. He also ran a small canvas manufacturing business until 1930.
The building has seen many tenants over the years. Brødrene Hartmanns maskinfabrik and their paper goods factory “Trio” rented the bottom two floors from 1914 to 1916. M. B. Cohn’s machine factory was here from 1916 to 1919. In 1920 G. Clasen established a car repair shop. It eventually filled the entire factory. Knud Hansen’s family took over the shop in 1939. They continued until 2001.
In 2001 Alm. Brand bought the factory complex. They owned the large office building at Lyngby Hovedgade 4. They wanted to expand. Most of the complex was torn down. But the main building and the old chimney were preserved. Lyngby-Taarbæk Municipality bought the building. They planned to renovate it. But the years passed and the building wasn’t maintained. In 2009 Unionkul bought the building. Dades acquired the property from Unionkul.
Pritzels Fabrik underwent a complete renovation from 2011 to 2013. The renovation revitalized the original brick building. New transparent additions enhanced it. Today Pritzels Fabrik stands as a shining example. It’s a successful reuse of a building. The building retains its original appearance.
As you stand here take a moment to appreciate Pritzels Fabrik. It represents Lyngby’s industrial spirit. It shows the ability to rebuild after facing the flames. It is now a modern office space. Pritzels Fabrik remains a vital piece of Lyngby’s history.