The ‘Erlweinspeicher’ – from municipal warehouse to magnificent hotel
| Built between 1913 and 1914 in the old warehouse quarter, the huge depository was designed to increase Dresden’s storage capacities for tobacco, wool, spice and cloth. To keep the costs at a minimum, the city entrusted the project to their planning commissioner at the time, Hans Erlwein. A good thing too! More than a bureaucrat, Erlwein was a talented architect who recognized the importance of combining function and aesthetics. The interior provided the city with desperately-needed storage space while the exterior proved a welcome addition to Dresden’s skyline. Under Erlwein’s influence between 1904 and 1914, many buildings were constructed, leaving an everlasting impression on Saxony’s capital and a legacy of architectural landmarks. |
As with so many historical buildings in Dresden, the Erlweinspeicher suffered heavy damage during the closing months of World War II. While neighbouring buildings such as the grain silos and the bonded warehouse were completely destroyed, the reinforced concrete structure of the Erlweinspeicher was warped but remained standing. The city began restoring the building in early 1948 but the project only encompassed the lower levels. The warehouse section remained mostly unused and fell into disrepair. Over the years, the derelict landmark on the banks of the River Elbe became a sorry reminder to an unfortunate history. In the year 2000, plans were presented to turn the property into a Maritim hotel. The start of construction was delayed due to flooding in 2002 but got underway towards the end of 2004. Respecting the stringent regulations that protect historically-listed landmarks, Maritim’s plans were specially drafted to both restore and enhance the famous warehouse. Completed in just 18 months, the interior was reinforced and constructed anew, the façade was modernised through approved renovations and a massive glass roof was integrated to create the hotel’s spacious, naturally lit atrium. Since 2006: MARITIM Hotel & International Congress Center Dresden |
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| Maritim Hotel: 76m long, 40m high, 328 hotel rooms including 40 suites and a presidential suite covering 176m². The Maritim hotel is connected to the International Congress Center via a subterranean walkway. The former Erlweinspeicher seen across the River Elbe from the Neustädter bank. |
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| Landmark and location: the historical Erlweinspeicher before the renovations. The former warehouse at Ausschiffungsplatz in the historic town centre. The site on the Devrientstraße was an important distribution and storage area in turn of the century Dresden – with a number of municipal repositories, warehouses, customs departments and management offices. |
https://www.dresden-congresscenter.de/en/congress-center
05/09/2021