Demolition of the Währinger Wilhelminian style houses – petition against U5 construction started!

Demolition of the Währinger Wilhelminian style houses – petition against U5 construction started!

Serious changes are coming in Währing: a historic Wilhelminian style house on the Währinger Belt has to make way for the construction of the new U5. Loud My district The demolition will take place before construction work on the new subway line begins. The U5 station “Michelbeuern AKH” is intended to better connect Währing to the city center and make transfers unnecessary for passengers.

However, this also represents a challenge for the residents of the house: they have to move out as soon as possible. While the Wiener Linien emphasize that they are in close contact with the tenants and that solutions have been found for everyone, they report that moves are threatening their existence. The new rental prices seem to be a big problem.

Petition for the preservation of the buildings

However, a petition signed by around 250 people calling for the preservation of the founding period house was not approved for legal reasons. This was announced on December 6, 2023. The submitter of the petition, Stephan Erath, was informed that the subject of the petition cannot concern the actions of the City of Vienna, but concerns private legal matters. The initiativesMonument protectionandArchitectural Rebellion Austriaare now planning to raise objections again and start a new petition to save the Wilhelminian style houses, it is reported OTS.

The city administration has recently been criticized for communicating information about the planned demolition late and in a non-transparent manner. The need for demolition had been known since April 2022, but clear communications only came later. District leader Peter Jagsch (SPÖ) will soon answer questions about the design at Elterleinplatz at a public event.

Effects of the U5 expansion

The expansion of the U5, which is scheduled to be completed by 2035, is also intended to relieve overcrowded lines such as the U6 and the 41. The Wiener Linien promise to improve the district, for example through more green spaces. But the question remains: At what cost for the residents? In view of concerns about rent increases threatening the existence of the city, the discussion about the restructuring of the district remains tense. Further information and updates can be found at ORF Vienna.

The announced demolition is scheduled for late 2026 to early 2027. The coming months could be crucial, both for the future development of Währing and for the residents of the affected house.