Chur

Renovation and conversion of the former main post office

Swiss Post's announcement to close its central and traditional location on Postplatz in Chur also raised the question of the future use of the listed building.

An innovative and diverse range of uses

In close cooperation between the owner of the property, Credit Suisse Investment Foundation, and Wincasa, an innovative utilization concept unique in Switzerland was developed and implemented over a two-year construction period.

With the city of Chur and its municipal library, a tenant was found who will continue to make the property accessible to a wide audience. What's more, the innovative operating concept of the Open Library means that the library is also open to the public outside of regular opening hours and has become a third place for meeting, exchanging ideas and learning. As an ideal complement to the library with numerous operational synergies, a catering concept with access to Postplatz will be implemented on parts of the first floor. And, of course, a postal agency will complement the diverse range of uses.

Between digitization and monument protection

The complex usage program and the conversion of the rooms in the former post office, which are up to six metres high, placed the highest demands on the coordination of the structural and operational measures. The operation of the library requires the use of the latest access control and monitoring technologies. At the same time, maintaining earthquake safety and the requirements of the monument preservation authorities necessitated an intensive exchange with the relevant authorities. Wincasa Construction & Facility Management was able to support the owner of the property with tailor-made services from a single source, from advice on building services and operational planning to fiduciary support for the structural implementation.