Vevey: All-party unity to save Lido building from developer's plans

In a rare display of political unity, Vevey's elected officials across all parties have joined forces to protect the historic Lido building. The building, known for its ground-floor business operating since 1870, also contains 15 apartments and is situated in the pedestrianized old town, near the lake.

Two years ago, Swiss real estate developer Christian Constantin acquired the property. His plan involves evicting current tenants to convert the apartments into studios for future employees of his Les Terrasses de Lavaux hotel complex in Puidoux. The building, constructed shortly after the 1929 financial crisis, features luxurious Art Deco architectural elements, including stylized floral ironwork, cut corners, and symmetrical design.

Historical records from the Vaud canton's Directorate of Monuments and Sites highlight the building's well-preserved original features. These include parquet floors, cement tiles, woodwork, radiators, and the original entrance door. The structure is considered an important example of the Gesamtkunstwerk (