The embroidery quarter

History: The Davidsbleiche - the embroidery quarter - is where linen fabrics used to be laid out for bleaching; a rectangular network of paths formed in between. Thanks to the systematic planning of the quarter, this is visible today in the arrangement of the buildings. With the exception of the commercial building “Reichenbach & Co.” at Teufener Strasse 11, built in 1888, all these buildings were constructed within a good 10 years, namely between 1902 and 1912/13, during the second great embroidery boom. The site of the former Davidsbleiche was previously largely undeveloped and was also an ideal location for trading and export houses due to its proximity to the railroad station. In 1910, the goods station was extended and the municipal warehouses on Davidstrasse were given sidings. Architecture: The large, five- to six-storey embroidery shop buildings form an ensemble of beautiful urban unity. The well-preserved building fabric from the period after 1900 in the embroidery quarter clearly underlines the incredible economic and architectural dynamism of the embroidery era in St.Gallen. The leading architects of the time worked here for St.Gallen embroidery companies: Curjel & Moser, Wendelin Heene, Anton Aberle, Leuzinger & Niederer and many others. One of the first commercial buildings on Davidstrasse (no. 25) was built in 1902 for the company “Blanck & Co.” according to the plans of Leipzig architect Max Fricke. It reflects the German influence with exposed brick, Gothic elements and a Renaissance gable. The emphasis on the vertical by grouping the window openings over three storeys with interesting iron window fronts reflects the pillar construction method, which was made possible by the new technology of reinforced concrete. In the same year, the even more voluminous Atlantic House was built right next door (no. 27) by Alfred Müller for “D. Klauber & Co.”, which appears somewhat more conservative architecturally with its row windows. Today's use: The large embroidery business premises on Davidstrasse are now mainly used by the cantonal administration, including the tax office, the Department of Finance and Education and the trade school.