Váci 1 is a UNESCO World Heritage listed building in Budapest, designed by Hungarian architect Ignác Alpár, constructed between 1911 and 1915. During its first 105 years it had multiple and diverse uses. Its original purpose was to serve as the headquarters of the first Hungarian Bank, but it also accommodated stores on the ground floor and residential units on the top level. During the period of 1990-2005 the building was home to the Budapest Stock Exchange. Between 2005 and 2015 the ground floor areas with direct street access functioned as retail units, but the majority of the building stood empty, waiting for its renaissance. In 2015 Horizon Development acquired the building with the intention to redevelop it for complex commercial functionality, housing retail and office units, restaurants and bars. The developer authentically restored the building’s historic spaces and architectural elements: lead glass windows designed by famous art deco artist Miksa Róth, columns, tympanums, stone reliefs, tiles and mosaics, golden and marble surfaces, lighting fixtures. This created the most breathtaking setting for one of the largest and most exclusive H&M flagship stores worldwide. The mixed-use building – that elegantly combines heritage parts with modern spaces – opened its doors in Q2 2016, thanks to the coordinated professional effort of the design, PM, construction and sustainability divisions of the general contractor. Companies that call Váci 1 home are H&M (retail, headquarters and showroom); Hard Rock Café Budapest; Szamos Gourmet Palace; DVM group, global financial provider MasterCard, international online game developer Play’n GO, Ostermann and Lexinta. The St. Andrea Wine & Skybar opening in Spring 2017 will offer spectacular views of Budapest: Vörösmarty Square, Fashion Street, the Parliament, Váci Street, the river Danube and the Buda Castle. The 89% leased property – owned by GLL Real Estate Partners – is managed by Horizon Development. www.vaci1.hu

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