Sixty-eight years ago a different building stood here. This is Q19 Einkaufsquartier Döbling. It’s not just a shopping center. It’s a piece of Vienna’s history. This spot was once home to the J Schnabl cigarette paper factory. That factory was one of Vienna’s first reinforced concrete structures. It was built in 1909 by Württemberg industrial architect Philipp Jakob Manz. Manz was known for his building speed and design. Later the factory became Samum.
The SPAR Österreich-Gruppe acquired the building in 1999. They completely renovated and expanded it. The renovation transformed the old factory. It now stands as a stunning example of how modern and historic architecture can coexist. The project was expensive. The renovations cost approximately 51 million euros. The old building underwent many changes. Three hundred and forty windows were replaced. The stone facade was meticulously restored. A new section was added. It has a roughly 100-meter-long glass facade. This facade connects seamlessly to the historic building.
Q19 Einkaufsquartier Döbling opened its doors on October 28 2005. It has nearly 15000 square meters of leasable space. The shopping center has 40 shops. It provides parking for 680 vehicles. About 500 people work at Q19. The location is great. The area has easy access via public transport. It’s near the Heiligenstadt train station. It’s also close to the U4 subway line and various tram and bus routes.
Q19 is more than a shopping destination. It’s a vibrant community hub. It seamlessly blends shopping with culinary experiences. There are leisure activities and work spaces. This includes a medical center. There’s even a car care station. These additions contributed to its transformation. It became a lively meeting place. The location was planned with the environment in mind. It’s equipped with state-of-the-art building technology. It has earned several awards for its architecture and design. These awards include the Diva Award and the ReSource Award. Q19 Einkaufsquartier Döbling is a success story. It’s a testament to thoughtful urban planning. It’s a blend of old and new. It’s a vital part of Döbling. It’s a place where history and modernity meet. It’s a perfect example of how the past can enrich the present. It’s a place you’ll want to return to again and again.