Kaufhaus Oberpollinger, Munich, Germany



Architect
Max Littmann
Date Built
1905
Location
Neuhauser Straße
Description
Apparently, the architect submitted his first plans for this building in 1904.  Considering that he had to adapt his plans on a number of occasions, it is even more amazing that it took just 10 months to build. 



Two of the weather vanes on the gables are in the form of merchant ships which, the store's Wikipedia page claims, reflects the fact that the original store owners had connections with Hamburg.



The building was heavily damaged during a bombing raid in 1945 but it was open for business again in 1947.   The store's website says, " On the night of 7th January, the building burnt down as far as the basement and the public plundered anything that was left in the way of goods and stock. In the end, even the basement was set ablaze."  However in 1947, "...  Around 600sqm retail area of the Oberpollinger is rebuilt on the Ground Floor"



The store's website explains that in 2003, "... Renovation work starts, including extensive modernisation plans. London architects Virgil & Stone create a visionary and open design to stamp this traditional store with an exclusive character and urban lifestyle appearance. The investment for this project is 80 million euros." They add that by 2006, "... The Oberpollinger store´s new look provides "Shopping de Luxe" over 7 floors and 40,000sqm. Part of this fantastic premium retail area is taken by the Beauty Department with Beauty Lounges on the Ground Floor, a lingerie department on the 2nd Floor and a Restaurant Floor."

Evidence of the expansion of the old building can be seen in the image below.