Munich's Arabellahaus to be preserved and renovated with unique facade escalator

Munich's Arabellahaus, one of Bavaria's largest high-rise buildings, is set to be preserved and extensively renovated rather than demolished. Bayerische Hausbau Real Estate, part of the Schörghuber family group, announced plans to maintain the 1969-completed structure, which boasts 87,000 square meters of space.

A distinctive feature of the renovation will be a 200-meter-long escalator installed on the exterior facade, extending from the ground floor to the roof at a height of 73 meters. Additionally, the building's green roof terrace will be made accessible to the public.

The comprehensive renovation project is scheduled to commence in 2030 and is expected to be completed by 2034. The 23-story Arabellahaus currently houses a hotel, a clinic, shops, restaurants, and apartments. It was designed in the spirit of the 1960s as a "city within a city."

Notably, the building's basement once housed the Musicland Studios, where renowned bands like the Rolling Stones, Queen, and Led Zeppelin recorded albums in the 1970s and 1980s. Originally designed for a limited lifespan, the Arabellahaus faced demolition plans, which have now been superseded by the renovation. The project will involve renewing the facades, creating a multi-story "eye"-shaped breakthrough, and converting some commercial space into 16,500 square meters of residential units.