From the savings bank to the daycare center
Renovation in Dortmund’s Nordstadt district
New life has returned to the former Sparkasse building in Dortmund’s Nordstadt district: a daycare center successfully opened its doors at the beginning of November 2019. Our architectural office planned and was responsible for the conversion of the premises. The result after the core refurbishment is impressive: On the entire first floor, the former Sparkasse and post office premises have been completely redesigned.
Now over 50 children in three groups can romp around on almost 650 m². Where there used to be a counter hall, they now occupy play, rest and dining areas on a daily basis. The play and multi-purpose room forms the center. It is surrounded by a high-quality magnetic chalkboard, which is very popular with both the children and the nursery staff. From the spacious play corridor, it is regularly decorated with new colorful motifs and also serves as a pinboard. The interior of the daycare center was designed by nimptsch ausstattung und design GmbH.
The daycare center also has 250 m² of basement space with a kitchen and changing rooms for the teachers, as well as a sheltered outdoor area in the inner courtyard. There is plenty of space for toys and equipment.
The daycare center is run by the Stadtteil-Schule Dortmund e. V. association. The facility is located in the middle of the densely populated and well-connected Münsterstrasse district in Dortmund’s Nordstadt. The subway stops directly opposite. The demand for childcare places is correspondingly high.
The building itself dates back to 1966. Since then, it has served as a branch location for the savings bank and the post office. Julius Ewald Schmitt Grundstücksgesellschaft bought the house in 2008. The plans for the conversion began to take shape in 2017, after the savings bank finally decided to give up the premises.
In the summer, the façade will be renovated to make it more energy-efficient and will be given a contemporary look.
And: the building directly next door, currently vacant, is also to be made usable for the Lortzingstraße daycare center. Two more groups of children can then be looked after. Here, too, SHA has been commissioned with the planning. At the same time, the expansion of the outdoor area is also on the agenda.
Pictures: Photodesign Christian Eblenkamp
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