Chronicle
After years of litigation, decay and construction work, the Weitsicht Cobenzl opened on Wednesday. The city of Vienna, an investor and the current operator have invested a total of around 20 million euros in the ensemble overlooking the city.
14.09.2022 17.37
Online since yesterday at 17:37
–
–
–
The area was partly renovated and partly completely rebuilt and started with a new tenant in the new era. Cafe Rondell, Cobenzl Castle and Dairy have been empty since 2017 and therefore in ruins when construction on the new project began. In April 2017, after a lengthy legal dispute between the city and former tenant Olaf Auer, the area was partially vacated, followed by a change of temporary uses.
The lease from the city to entrepreneur Martin Rohla was originally planned five years ago, including an opening ceremony in 2019. During the pandemic it had to jump out, instead stage restaurateur Bernd Schlacher and his motto group got involved. In the fall of 2020, he signed a 30-year lease with the city.
Interaction between old and new
The castle with its large domed hall and the dairy were renovated. The adjacent panoramic building, which can also be used for events, is a new building, like the café. It can accommodate over 500 guests on multiple levels.
Series of photos with 4 images
–
–
The Rondell-Cafe at the entrance to the events area cites elements of the previous building, which for decades has been a popular address for coffee with a view. The latter can now also be enjoyed from the roof of the building for non-bar guests. Inside, you’re greeted by retro charm, even a nod to the old building built in the 1950s. The café-restaurant that had recently been there had been rather desolate.
The blessing of Toni Faber
When the Weitsicht Cobenzl opened, there was little of the quiet idyll of the Viennese tourist destination: lounge music blared from loudspeakers as cathedral priest Toni Faber delivered his blessing on the building.
In addition to investors and guests of honor, numerous politicians were also present at the inauguration. Among them was Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ), visibly impressed by today’s inauguration of the Weitsicht. “It turned out great,” he enthused.
€ 4.1 million from the City of Vienna
At a ratio of 70 to 30, Schlacher’s motto group shared most of the financing with Frank Albert-led real estate company Supernova. According to the city itself, it contributed 4.1 million euros: a total of 20 million euros was invested in the Cobenzl ensemble.
–
–
