Tenants face potential displacement: partial destruction and rebuilding of a rental property in Munich
Munich's Balanstraße 21 Faces Demolition and Redevelopment
In the heart of Munich, the residential building at Balanstraße 21 is set for demolition and partial rebuilding, causing concern among its diverse tenant community. The building, known citywide for the alternative pub "Balan" in the front house, has been home to post-migrant families, seniors, and a shared apartment for many years.
The redevelopment plans, announced a year ago, include the construction of an underground garage and the demolition of the second rear building. The first rear building will also be affected, with plans to rebuild it incorporating the new underground garage.
Lena Sterzer (SPD), chairwoman of the planning subcommittee, has advocated for tenant protection and has expressed opposition to the project due to the displacement of long-standing residents. The 16 rental units at Balanstraße 21 are particularly concerned about their housing due to the demolition.
However, communication between the tenants and the new owners has been limited, with only contact through property management. The administration has been instructed to explore all avenues to reject the project, as long-standing residents are being displaced.
The BA Au-Haidhausen has voted against the renovation for tenant protection reasons, but there is no official decision yet regarding demolition versus renovation or new construction for this particular project.
The property was sold to new owners who have initiated the redevelopment. The rear residents, including businesses such as a goldsmith and an artist's studio, may need to move out if demolition occurs. The front house will be extended with an underground garage ramp as part of the redevelopment.
The address is located in a conservation area, and the existing character needs to be protected. This raises questions about the balance between conservation and development in Munich's urban landscape.
While demolition projects in Munich aim to recover and reuse building materials in new construction to conserve resources, reduce emissions, and promote sustainability, there are challenges in residential construction linked to planning and implementation delays, including permit issues and construction backlogs.
An example of a waiting period before construction, during which the site is given temporary public use to reduce resident inconvenience, can be seen in the redevelopment of an old industrial site in Munich's Milbertshofen area. Renovations of older listed residential buildings, such as a terraced house in Munich's Olympic Village from 1972, also provide an alternative to demolition in some cases.
As the situation at Balanstraße 21 unfolds, the city of Munich will need to navigate these complexities to find a solution that balances development, sustainability, and tenant protection.
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- The redevelopment plans for Balanstraße 21 in Munich include the construction of an underground garage, which has sparked concerns among the diverse tenant community due to the potential for displacement.
- Despite resistance from council members, the property at Balanstraße 21 was sold to new owners who are planning to demolish and rebuild parts of the building, impacting 16 rental units and businesses such as a goldsmith and an artist's studio.
- As the demolition of Balanstraße 21 and its subsequent redevelopment progress, the city of Munich faces the challenge of balancing development, sustainability, and tenant protection, particularly in light of complexities related to planning, implementation delays, and permit issues.
