| Former V&D | |
|---|---|
| Former_VD_Heerlen1.JPG | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Modern Architecture |
| Town or city | Heerlen |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Completed | 1958 |
| Design and construction | |
| Client | Adrianus Merkx & Vroom and Dreesmann |
| Architect | Frits Peutz |
| Structural engineer | E. Joosten & L. Reumkens |
The former V&D in Heerlen was designed by Frits Peutz (best known for the Glaspaleis) in 1958 as part of the store chain Vroom & Dreesmann (located in Heerlen since 1920). The interior design was done by Mr. Kober and his daughter Marcia and the builders were E. Joosten and L. Reumkens. The director in Heerlen was Adrianus Merkx.
The building was relatively different for Heerlen, although used to modern architecture (Glaspaleis, former office Oranje Nassaumijnen, Monseigneur Schrijnen Retreat House etc.), this building was described as skyscraper like (10 stories high). It has two entrances one on the Raadshuisplein and the other one the Geleenstraat, since the Geleenstraat is located lower the entrance there is 10 meters under the Raadshuisplein level (which is also the case for the Town Hall, also designed by Peutz).
In this building 75,000 meters of electric wiring was used, with 2000 sockets and a 100,000 watt spear-power supply. There was one central telephone system with 380 connections, 120 cash registers, a Pneumatic post system, three elevators for shoppers and two high speed elevators,[1] it also had three goods elevators.
There also were a loading and unloading dock for trucks and vans, 30 dishwashers that could clean and dry up to 9200 pieces of dishware per hour,[2] Further it included seven Escalators, something unseen in Heerlen.[1]
There was a tearoom and restaurant on the top floor, called the VenDorama.
The building now serves as an office to the town hall.