Schmidtberger-Haus

The Schmidtberger-Haus, also known as Bankhaus Spängler, is located on Linz’s main plaza.

The Origins of the Schmidtberger-Haus

The Schmidtberger-Haus dates back to the late 16th century, when it was owned by Mayor Siegmund Schmidtberger, a prominent merchant and politician in Linz. The building is a typical example of a late Gothic long courtyard house, with a narrow frontage of 6.5 meters and a depth of 60 meters. The house has a three-story gabled façade facing the main square, with a large bay window that offers a panoramic view of the plaza and the nearby Danube river.

The house was originally built as a residence and a commercial space for Schmidtberger and his family, who traded in various goods such as salt, wine, and textiles. The house also served as a meeting place for the city council and a venue for social and cultural events. Schmidtberger was a influential figure in Linz, who supported the Protestant Reformation and defended the city’s rights and privileges against the Habsburg rulers.

The Transformation of the Schmidtberger-Haus

Over the centuries, the Schmidtberger-Haus underwent several changes and renovations, reflecting the different styles and tastes of its owners and occupants. In the 17th century, the house was expanded by two more storeys and remodeled in the Baroque style, with a curved eaves end and ornamental decorations. The house also hosted various businesses and institutions, such as a pharmacy, a bakery, a hotel, and a bank.

In the 20th century, the house suffered from neglect and deterioration, as it was affected by the two world wars and the economic crisis. The house was listed as a protected monument in 1977, but it remained vacant and in need of restoration.

In 1999, the house was acquired by Bankhaus Carl Spängler, a private banking firm based in Salzburg, which decided to refurbish the house and use it as its branch office in Linz. The bank hired local architect Andreas Heidl, who specialized in historic preservation and adaptive reuse, to oversee the renovation project.

The Revival of the Schmidtberger-Haus

The renovation of the Schmidtberger-Haus was a challenging and complex task, as it involved preserving the historic character of the building while adapting it to the modern needs and standards of a bank. Heidl and his team carefully studied the history and structure of the house, and used archival documents, photographs, and archaeological findings to guide their work.

The renovation project aimed to restore the original appearance and features of the house, such as the gabled façade, the bay window, the wooden beams, and the stone walls. The project also introduced new elements and technologies, such as a glass elevator, a steel staircase, a skylight, and a solar panel system, to improve the functionality and sustainability of the house.

The renovation project was completed in 2003, and the house was officially reopened as Bankhaus Spängler. The house now serves as a modern and elegant banking facility, as well as a cultural and educational center. The house hosts various events and exhibitions, such as art shows, concerts, lectures, and workshops, that showcase the history and heritage of the house and the city.

Linz, Austria