LOCATION
Sauerfelder Straße 2
58509 Lüdenscheid
ARTIST
SAUERLAND-CENTER
As the first shopping center in Lüdenscheid, the SAUERLAND-CENTER was opened in December 1972 with 15 of 40 shops rented out. Work on the so-called ‘EMKA Tower’ was completed in MARch 1973. With a total of 14 floors, 3 of which were underground, it was intended to combine shopping, doctors’ surgeries, offices, restaurants, hotels and car parking in one building as a new concept at the time. The center is an example of the functional, pragmatic architecture of post-war modernism. Concrete as the defining material and the clear, geometric shapes reflect the architectural style of this era. Even if it is often perceived as less aesthetic from today’s perspective, at the time it was a progressive construction method that emphasised economy and functionality. The hotel project was never realised, partly due to the developer’s insolvency in the summer of 1973. Despite the existence of a subway to Wilhelmstrasse, which had already been established as a pedestrian zone and was previously a central retail location, the shopping center was never well received by residents. A high vacancy rate, economic hardship on the part of the respective owners and an increasing investment backlog continued throughout the history of the Sauerland Center until 2020. The property was then redeveloped by a new owner.
