Swiss Life has been renovating the two properties at Bahnhofstrasse 75 and 79 in Zurich for about a year. The properties are being prepared for another lifecycle with extensive structural measures plus the careful revitalisation of the façade. "Swiss Life Brannhof" incorporates an attractive use concept that references the building's historical heritage, thus creating a lively meeting place for the future.
Since the beginning of the 20th century, Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse has evolved into one of the world's most renowned addresses for strolling, business and shopping. One of the pioneers of this period was Julius Brann, who created an architecturally distinctive building in 1912 in today's property at Bahnhofstrasse 75 and helped shape the further development of the entire street with his department store. This historical heritage serves as the inspiration for "Swiss Life Brannhof", which takes the pioneering spirit from the time of its inception into the present and future of Zurich's Bahnhofstrasse.
Revelation of naming «Swiss Life Brannhof»
A meeting place through an attractive use concept
The renovation of the two properties at Bahnhofstrasse 75 and 79 will bring the original atriums and inner courtyards to the fore once again. New, flexible-use retail spaces totalling some 4600 m2 will extend over three levels up to the first floor. They will enliven the building on all four sides and provide venues for inspiration, experience and exchange. Modern workplaces will be spread over an area of around 5600 m2 from the second floor at this central location in downtown Zurich. The aim of this attractive use concept is to make "Swiss Life Brannhof" a genuine meeting place.
Sustainability as an important criterion
Swiss Life invests in real estate over the long term on behalf of its insured persons. Sustainability aspects play a central role in that respect. The improvement in energy efficiency is therefore also an important criterion in the renovation of both properties: an intelligent energy concept will in future make optimal use of the synergies between cooling and demand for heating. "Swiss Life Brannhof" is undergoing renovation in line with the latest standards and, once completed, it will be certified with the internationally recognised DGNB Silver sustainability label. The building will also be upgraded to the current requirements in terms of earthquake safety and technical installations.
Outside view «Swiss Life Brannhof» (Architektur: SPPA, Bild: maaars, Zürich)
Meticulous renovation of historical features
The renovation is being performed in close consultation with the heritage authority and in compliance with its requirements. For example, inside the building four historic staircases will be preserved, all original windows restored, the natural and gravel stone façade renovated and the leaded glazing facing Lintheschergasse brought to prominence in a new hall. The roof is being re-covered with natural slate.
Swiss Life is investing a total of over CHF 100 million in the renovation and revitalisation of the two historic properties at Bahnhofstrasse 75 and 79 and anticipates a construction period of three years. The rental spaces are expected to be transferred to the new tenants from autumn 2023. Swiss Life is attaching great importance to the smooth progress of the construction work during the construction period. As a foretaste of the revitalised splendour of the properties, the construction site installations will be covered with an image of the property’s future appearance over the next few months.
Further information
You can find further details on the renovation and new use concept for "Swiss Life Brannhof" here.
Download
Information
Media Relations
Tel.: +41 43 284 77 77
E-Mail: media.relations@swisslife.ch
Investor Relations
Tel.: +41 43 284 52 76
E-Mail: investor.relations@swisslife.ch