From prestige project to nightmare: After the collapse of René Benko’s Signa company, the abandoned construction site of the Lamarr department store stands out like an eyesore on Mariahilfer Straße and plunges local entrepreneurs into existential fears. Krone.tv spoke to the affected business people.
“We are talking about losses of 30 to 40 percent, because of this eyesore you cannot see our side! This not only has consequences for us, but also for our neighbors, such as the pharmacy or the tobacconist. Everyone sees it the same way,” says Wolfgang Chroma, owner of Pelzhaus-Fuss on Mariahilfer Straße.
Michael Reiter from the traditional company Südwind goes one step further: “The construction site hangs over us like a sword of Damocles. The sidewalk is closed and incoming customers cross the street. We have about 100 fewer people per month, we need a solution.”
Lamarr’s future is uncertain
A sad look at reality shows that not only the entrepreneurs themselves are in this dilemma, but also their involved employees. The opening of the Lamarr department store, planned for early 2025, still seems far away due to current developments. When asked when construction workers were last seen on the abandoned site, everyone agreed: “Sometime in November, but they were just getting their tools.”
You can see the entire interviews in the video above!
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
