Aarau: Pensimo plans renovation and extension of the "Aarauerhof"

For a long time, the future of the current "Aarauerhof" hotel was uncertain. Now the owner, the Turidomus investment foundation managed by Pensimo, is providing information about the future of the hotel in Aarau. It is planning to completely renovate and extend the building. It will be used as a 3-star hotel with 145 rooms. The owner anticipates a planning period of around two years and a further two years for construction. The new hotel at Bahnhofplatz 2 could then open its doors in 2028. "We have looked closely at the location and are convinced that a hotel is and will remain the right use," says Alexander Büchel, the portfolio manager responsible at Pensimo.

Study contract planned

The owner is currently preparing a study contract for the building, which currently houses a hotel with self-check-in for a limited period. Eight to ten architectural firms are to take part. "The aim is to design a building that meets the needs of a contemporary hotel," says Birgit Hattenkofer, Head of Development at Pensimo. At the same time, the aim is to show how as much of the existing building fabric as possible can be used: "This makes sense not only because of the good condition of the building, but also from an ecological point of view." Using the existing load-bearing structure is the most climate-friendly option.

Name of the "international operator" only after the summer

According to Büchel, the new hotel will be a "hotel with a lifestyle concept in the limited service segment" with 145 rooms, which will be managed by an international operator.

In 2020, the Aargau pension fund acquired the building, which had since become the property of catering operator ZFV, and planned a new replacement building (IB reported). In 2022, it transferred the property to the Turidomus investment foundation. After the summer, the foundation and the new operator will provide information about the details and the exact planning and development process. (aw)