Damaged Steel Beam Prevents Residents’ Return to Holstenstrasse
Hamburg, August 21 – The evacuated multi-family building on Holstenstrasse in Hamburg remains at risk of collapse, even after the demolition of its rear section. The Altona district office reported that a critical steel beam is no longer properly supported at one end, preventing residents of adjacent buildings from returning to their homes.
Stability of Neighboring Buildings Compromised
According to a statement from the Altona district office to NDR, the structural integrity of the neighboring buildings cannot currently be guaranteed. The issue lies with a steel beam in the building at Holstenstrasse 195/197, which is meant to bear the entire load of the upper floors but is now improperly seated at one end.
The beam is located centrally in the ceiling above the ground floor. Any further movement of the beam could impact the floors and walls above, including those in the adjacent properties. The immediate priority is to stabilize the beam without endangering human lives.
Demolition Followed Acute Collapse Danger
On August 11, an excavator demolished the rear section of the 1894-built multi-family house on Holstenstrasse, which was at risk of collapse after deep cracks made living there life-threatening. The two neighboring houses were also evacuated as a precautionary measure.
The Altona district office confirmed that a stabilization plan for the steel beam is currently being developed and will be implemented “promptly.” Only after its completion can a decision be made regarding if and when the adjacent buildings can be reoccupied.
Temporary Housing for Displaced Tenants
A temporary solution has been found for the tenants of the partially demolished building. They can temporarily move into another multi-family house not far from their old residence, provided by the housing cooperative “Altoba.” This building was originally slated for demolition as part of a new construction project, but this has been postponed at the request of the Altona district office. Tenants are expected to move into the building during September.
Background: The Holstenstrasse Incident
The Altona district office had no alternative but to close the building due to the acute danger of collapse, according to the senator responsible for Hamburg’s districts. Residents had alerted the fire department after noticing cracks in the walls, highlighting the immediate threat to safety.
This incident follows a series of events related to the structural integrity of the building. The decision to demolish the rear section was a direct response to the severe damage and the risk it posed to both the building’s occupants and those in the surrounding area.
The ongoing situation underscores the importance of structural safety in urban environments and the challenges faced by authorities when dealing with aging infrastructure. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of all residents and facilitating their return home as soon as it is deemed secure.
