Thomas Baumgärtel: Purchase of the Eitorfer St. Josef Church

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moisture under the ground: Thomas Baumgärtel does not buy St. Josef in Eitorf

The planned purchase of the St. Josef Church in Eitorf by the Cologne artist Thomas Baumgärtel has smashed. Baumgärtel announced that the condition of the listed building has proven to be far worse than originally assumed. During a new inspection it was found that the soil in the interior is moist, which indicates problems with the water laying.

complex renovation question

The possible renovation would have caused considerable costs. The church has been a listed building since 2021, which also complicated the situation. Baumgärtel found out about necessary steps to restore, but experience has shown that the renovation of the soil could have been upset - experts estimated that this part alone would be in the high six -digit range. In view of the additional requirements such as the drainage of the basement and other conversions, the entire project would probably not have been affordable.

right decision

Baumgärtel also brought two potential investors into play, but also canceled, since the situation of the church appeared as to be away for extensive construction work. After careful consideration, Baumgärtel decided to refrain from the project. The risks and the workload for the redesign into a museum would have placed high demands on costs and planning.

next steps for the church

The church council agrees with the decision to offer the building again on the market. In particular, the focus should be on public usage concepts when marketing. The goal is to find a buyer who does not want to close the church. The option of developing the church into a cultural meeting point is in the room.

an outlook on the future

Baumgärtel, who felt an emotional bond with the church, looks back on the failed purchase with melancholy. While he is still looking for alternatives in Cologne and the surrounding area, he is ready to have future conversations with the archbishopric, there should be an affordable opportunity.