6 x Spaces buildings that tell a unique story

In case you didn’t notice, we have a bit thing for lost and forgotten buildings. We love collecting and breathing new life into extraordinary buildings and monumental homes, without losing any of its historic value. And as you can imagine, after 11 years, this makes for quite a unique collection. Let’s travel back in time and unravel the secret histories behind them. Each one tells a unique tale. Who knows – you just might happen to be working in a medieval dungeon or an old chocolate factory.

Réaumur, Paris: art nouveau by Gustave Eiffel

Réaumur has it, the Rue Réaumur is the symbol of the 20th century architecture of Paris. It’s situated in the romantic second and third district of Paris and while wandering through this street, you’ll immediately notice the building on no.124, with its characteristic windows and steel framework. This Art Nouveau jewel was originally designed in 1905 by no one other than Gustave Eiffel himself. The same genius that designed the cultural icon of France: the prestigious Eiffel Tower. What once used to be the headquarters of Le Parisien, in 1904, is today the place where you can open your laptop on one of the six beautifully designed, modernised floors within this historic monument.

Rode Olifant, The Hague: back to the Roaring Twenties

Spaces Rode Olifant is situated in one of the most iconic buildings of The Hague, which makes it quite hard to miss. This landmark became part of the city’s skyline when the American Petroleum Company, later Esso, commissioned its construction in 1919. Back in the early twenties, a new architectonic style arose in where architects focussed more on the functioning of the building, rather than just the architectonic concept. The story goes that American clients demanded the 56 meters high tower, so that they could spy on their competitors, right across the street. The real reason was becaue they wanted their office to be bigger and better than their competitors. But whatever the reason, the tower is one of the elements that makes this red brick building so unique. And did we tell you that the building is decorated with no less than 101 sculptors made by Dutch artist Joop van Lunteren? With the most striking sculpture being the elephant head on the front of the red tower. Hence, the name of the building: the Red Elephant. Step through the doors into the light-filled atrium and head straight for the cosy, beautifully designed library. Trust us, you’ll never want to leave.

Castle Park, Bristol: Willy Wonka-esque factory

Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait a bit to check out this new upcoming Spaces hub in Bristol, since it won’t open until June 2020. But this location is definitely one to put on your Spaces bucket list. Situated in an old chocolate factory, you’ll be amazed by its original architecture. In 1777 J. S. Fry & Sons established their chocolate company here, making their famous Fry’s Turkish Delights. And once you’re walking the floors of this old factory – imagine the production of millions of exotic chocolate bars and the smell of melting chocolate blowing over the green area of Castle Park. Plug into the Willy Wonka-esque vibe of Spaces Castle Park and enjoy the sweetness of success. It’s the perfect place to set up shop and connect and meet with like-minded, free-spirited business owners. And well, who can say they worked from an old chocolate factory? How’s that for a story?

Apotekergata, Oslo: where medieval meets new

The Spaces Apotekergata is actually situated in two different buildings and owes its uniqueness to just that: the merge of the old and new. ‘The main entrance is three red, old brick houses which used to house Oslo’s only coffee roster and a coffee shop. This part of the building is from 1870 and has a great historical value for Oslo’ says Ida Storheim, Marketing Coordinator at Spaces Apotekergata. ‘The second building is a high rise from 1998 drawn by Dark architects and used to house the largest media company in Norway Schibsted before we took over.’ The entire façade is still in its original state, just like the awesome dungeon with its medieval vibe which they transformed into this cosy bar.

This location is quite different from the other Spaces hubs in Norway – it’s a bit darker, with a more urban look and feel. ‘The library is by far the best spot in the building and still has its original flooring’, Ida says. So, what’s stopping you? Come over and check it out. We certainly quite love it – and we think you might too.

Keizersgracht, Amsterdam:  a hundred years back in time

Welcome to the ‘Mirror Quarter’, as the Dutch call it. This was once the buzzing heart of the antique and arts trade, but you can still find curiosities, vintage treasures, and boutiques all over the picturesque streets near the Canal. And at the corner of the Spiegelstraat and the Keizersgracht, there it is. One of our most esteemed locations in Amsterdam: Spaces Keizersgracht. When you step through the doors, it’s like you go back a hundred years in time. Quite literally actually, as the ‘Spiegelhof’ house was built in 1917. It was designed by the well-known Dutch architect C. B. Posthumus Meyjes and constructed for the Amsterdamsche Levensverzekering Maatschappij. Tip: take your meeting upstairs, in meeting room four, where you’ll find a decades old vault where they used to keep important documents or head into one of the monumental chambers with its original wooden walls. It’s a place that still breathes its history and where its authentic decadency remains preserved.

Chrysler Building, New York: the world at your feet

Chances are, if you’ve ever seen a picture or poster of New York City, it had the iconic Chrysler building in it. It’s featured in countless series and movies and still manages to stand tall, almost a hundred years later. The building is with its 320 meters one of the tallest skyscrapers in the city’s skyline – and as you can imagine the view from above is pretty mind-blowing. Well, lucky for you we’ve managed to literally get a foot in the door and created our very own Spaces hub within. Go ahead and step into one of the first Art Deco buildings in the world, set foot in one of the many elevators and head for the 7^th, 8^th or 9^th floor. Once you step through those doors, you’ll be amazed by the natural lighting and spectacular views over Midtown Manhattan. Are you ready to take your business to a whole other level? New York’s calling.