Awarding of ‘2012 Listed Building Prize’
FEBRUARY 2012
The Solingen Investor and businessman Siegfried Lapawa committed himself in grand style to the structural renovation of the listed building the “Tradition House” in Solingen, which used to be the “Tückmantel House”. Investment of €6.5 million eventually flowed into the renovation, extension and preservation of his building project. There were many obstacles to be overcome. “For me it is a large but important investment in preserving the cultural essence of my home town”, explains Siegfried Lapawa. He has now been thanked for that.
The Bergische History Association of Solingen, represented by the historian Mrs. Dr. Beate Battenfeld, awarded him this year’s Listed Building Protection Prize 2012 for these efforts. Over two thousand square metres of premium space for offices, shops and medical and dental surgeries, plus some city flats, were created in the 120 year-old building and in a neighbouring new building on the Neumarkt.
A large proportion of the area was already rented before completion. The tenant profile is varied. Doctors, physiotherapy centres, construction consultancy companies, flower shops, high-quality home accessory designs, bakeries and many others have since established themselves at what has become the most famous address in Solingen. “A new highlight has been created in Solingen city centre”, is the reason Mrs. Dr. Battenfeld gives for the unanimous choice of the committee in charge.