The vacant department store ruin is centrally located in downtown Gmünd. It covers almost a complete block of houses. Its vacancy affects surrounding buildings, as analyses show. The decreasing attractiveness of the surrounding alleys due to the vacancy causes further vacancies around the derelict area.
Furthermore, there are dependencies of the Woha department store in the immediate vicinity, which are vacant just like the main building. The area consists of a historic house, a supplementary building and corresponding connecting buildings. The historic part of the building is part of the architectural ensemble of the Gmünd marketplace, but due to alterations and vacancy it creates a visual gap in the row of facades.
The demolition of a connecting building will link the two narrow inner courtyards. This creates a corridor through the area from two cul-de-sacs that are difficult to use.
By planting greenery and providing recreational areas, a cozy oasis of calm is created here, right next to the busy streets of the surrounding area.
