The Olympic Amsterdam: Bouwinvest unveals plans landmark Citroën buildings

Bouwinvest has unveiled the plans for the renovation of the iconic Citroën Buildings at the Amsterdam Stadionplein. Under the name ‘The Olympic Amsterdam’ Peak Development is redeveloping the former Citroën Buildings for real estate investment manager Bouwinvest. This project gives the area - where Bouwinvest also has invested in homes, shops, the Olympic Stadium and the underground parking garage - a new impetus. We are very pleased that ambitious and innovative companies like Pon Holding and the international sports brand Under Armour have indicated their wish to settle here and will closely work with us in the further planning of the buildings and the area.

The renovation of the iconic Citroën Buildings at the Amsterdam Stadionplein symbolises the revitalisation of the whole area. Under the name ‘The Olympic Amsterdam’ Peak Development is redeveloping the former Citroën Buildings for real estate investment manager Bouwinvest. This project gives the area - where Bouwinvest also has invested in homes, shops, the Olympic Stadium and the underground parking garage - a new impetus. It is rare that a real estate investor is allowed and able to develop such an area as a whole; a complete inner city area is put back on the map. From 2017 it will offer over 100.000 m² for living, working and leisure, with a focus on sports, culture, innovation, sustainable mobility and media. Bas Jochims, Head Asset Management Offices Bouwinvest: ‘This project can count on great interest. We are therefore particularly pleased that ambitious and innovative companies like Pon and the international sports brand Under Armour have indicated their wish to settle here and will closely work with us in the further planning of the buildings and the area.’  

ICONIC BUILDINGS IN OLYMPIC AMSTERDAM
In Amsterdam-Zuid architect Jan Wils designed the Olympic Stadium (1928) Garage Citroën - South (1931, 10,100 sqm) and the second Citroën Garage - North (1962: 15,500 m²). Originally, the Citroën buildings were not part of Berlage's ‘Plan Zuid', nevertheless, it was still one of the last projects ‘within’ the plan. Since the construction a lot from inside and outside has changed, the current and not original white facades will be a clear example of that for most passersby.

Bouwinvest chose redeveloper Peak Development to guide the redevelopment of the buildings and together they chose for the architect agencies BiermanHenket (South Building) and Rijnboutt (North Building). The mission: restore original details of these historic buildings and remove the messy changes of recent decades. The existing buildings will become more accessible and more attractive, including indoor gardens, catering functions and activation of the roof. In addition, there is a much stronger connection with the environment. This is done amongst others by replacing the ‘old park lot’ across the road for new buildings and the construction of a large green square that will logically arise from the lines for which the architect Jan Wils 90 years ago laid the foundation. The goal: to greatly increase the attractiveness of the area. That asks for a new name for the buildings, in line with the area and referring to the original construction dates. Starting today the Zuidgebouw will be 'The Olympic 1931' and the historic building that was built thirty years later ‘The Olympic 1962’.

AIM HIGHER
‘Bouwinvest looks past the bricks of the property. Together with the municipality, entrepreneurs and stakeholders we will not only put the buildings themselves but also the Olympic Stadium area on the map’, said Bas Jochims. ‘With this redevelopment we preserve the historic character of the Citroën Garages. These two iconic buildings will form the centerpiece of the area around the Stadionplein or: The Olympic Amsterdam. It will soon be a new destination for Amsterdam; a place where you just like to regularly go to. To live, work, shop, sport, party and relax. A bustling town square, not only for the area but for the whole of Amsterdam. An environment that can accommodate large events and has international appeal. Sports, mobility and innovation are thereby becoming the starting point, in a nutshell the motto for the area is: AIM HIGHER !.’ Chris Bate, CEO, Under Armour Europe about their choice for The Olympic 1962: ‘We are hugely excited to move our European Headquarters to an area of ​​such great design, innovation and sporting history. Innovation is at our core and we feel this incredible space will continued to drive us forward as a fire across Europe. This will Become One or, if not, the most attractive European Headquarters for our industry.’