Didn’t you feel drawn to the Sander-Villa? It stands as a testament to time. It blends architectural styles and carries a rich history within its walls.
The Sander-Villa is a protected administrative building. It is located on Hansastraße in Munich’s Sendling-Westpark district. Built in 1909, it is considered Art Nouveau. However, it also has significant elements of the traditional style. This blend likely reflects its location. At the time of construction, it was far outside the city. It was surrounded by rural buildings.
Notice the high steep gable roof. It extends down past the ground floor. It covers two main floors and two attic floors. On the gable sides, observe the small decorative half-hipped roof. The gable roof is interrupted by two-story dormers with hipped roofs on both sides. The roof is further enhanced by smaller dormers and a mounted bay window.
Originally, the Sander-Villa was built as an administrative building. It served the local branch of Gebrüder Röchling. This was an iron and coal trading company. The architects were the Rank brothers. The building was intended for the Bavarian branch. In late July 1909, they acquired 54,980 square meters of land along the railway line on Hansastraße. The building was completed in 1910. It included warehouses for materials like iron, pipes, and coal products. Bridge cranes needed for loading were also erected.
By 1917, the main administration moved from Hansastraße to Palais Freyberg. However, the branch with its office and warehouses remained here. In 1968, the area was sold to Sander GmbH. They produced chemicals and pharmaceutical products there. The building became known as Sander-Villa due to the large-format lettering on the facades. During this time, several outbuildings and extensions were added. This included a single-story timber-framed structure. It featured a distinctive wide archway on the street front.
In 2005, the property was acquired by ADAC. From 2006 to 2012, they constructed their new 23-story ADAC headquarters behind the Sander-Villa. The Sander-Villa underwent complete renovation by mid-2012. Later additions were removed. The exterior was restored to its original condition. Only the modern entrance areas remained.
Today, the ADAC uses the building. It houses its library. It also holds various collections related to the club’s history and automotive history. Additional rooms are used for events and conferences.
The Sander-Villa stands as a reminder of Munich’s industrial past. It is a blend of architectural styles. It has adapted to changing uses over the years. From its beginnings as an iron and coal company’s administrative hub. To its current role as a modern club house and historical archive. The Sander-Villa’s story is etched into its walls. It is visible in its roofline. Its story continues to unfold.