The Gemeindebau Corneliusgasse 1, a testament to Vienna’s commitment to affordable housing, stands before you. It wasn’t always this way. In 1987, a charming, old building occupied this corner. Known for its ornate decorative forms, it featured a narrow light well and a spacious, green courtyard that stretched all the way to Esterhazygasse 8. A grand, family-owned building built in 1868 was torn down to make way for this new, modern complex.
This community is more than just a building – it’s a story of change within a changing city. The city of Vienna’s commitment to modernizing housing transformed the city’s landscape. Today’s Gemeindebau boasts 43 apartments, with three commercial spaces on the Corneliusgasse side and a garage with 38 parking spots below. Franz Kiener, a renowned architect, designed the building. Kiener’s vision embraced the past, integrating classic architecture into a newer, more functional form. Although the building was completed in 1989, the old building was not completely forgotten. Kiener incorporated the original historical elements, using high, rectangular windows to create a connection to its past. This approach highlights a recurring theme in Vienna – a graceful balance between the old and the new.
So stand here, in the heart of Vienna’s community, and take a moment to absorb this story of change. This building is more than a place to live, it’s a reflection of the city’s resilience, its commitment to finding balance between its history and its future.