AUTHOR Stefan Langs
PUBLISHED 21. FEB 2025
Sauerland-Center
The Sauerland-Center was the first shopping center in Lüdenscheid to open in December 1972 with 15 of 40 rented shops. Work on the so-called “EMKA Tower” was completed in MARch 1973. On a total of 14 floors, 3 of which were underground, it was intended to combine shopping, doctor’s offices, office space, restaurants, hotels and parking space in one building as a new concept of 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, it was a progressive construction method at the time that emphasized economy and functionality.
The hotel project could never be realized due to the developer’s prompt insolvency in the summer of 1973. Despite the existing underpass to Wilhelmstrasse, which had already been set up as a pedestrian zone and was the central location for retail, the shopping center was never well received by the citizens.
A high level of vacancy, financial difficulties of the respective owners, along with an increasing investment backlog, ran through the history of the Sauerland-Center until 2020. The property was then renovated by a new owner.
History:
from 2022 anchor tenants are the city of Lüdenscheid (social welfare office) and the job center
until 2018 tenants gradually moved out. Closure of the shopping center
2009 The senior care home moves out and the building continues to deteriorate
1977 – 1990 Central Theater cinema
1977 The city of Lüdenscheid leases the tower for conversion into a senior care home
1972 Partial opening as a shopping center
1971-1972 Planning and construction