Boutique hotels and beer gardens: Heritage Council to revive historic Lüderitz and Windhoek landmark buildings

Two of Namibia’s historical buildings will get a new lease on life as hospitality facilities, pending the National Heritage Council’s approval.

The owners of Kreplin House at Lüderitz and The Castle in Windhoek have applied to the National Heritage Council of Namibia (NHC) to turn the buildings into active hospitality facilities, according to a newspaper notice issued yesterday.

“Kreplin House is an important example of early German colonial architecture at Lüderitz, while The Castle in Windhoek is notable for its distinctive design and prominence within the city’s architectural landscape,” NHC spokesperson Jurgen Kuhanga said.

The council said the two buildings’ redevelopment would preserve their historical significance and distinctive architecture.

“With regard to Kreplin House, maintaining the original condition does not imply freezing the building in time, but rather preserving its key character-defining features,” Kuhanga said. Kreplin House – designed by Friedrich Kramer – was built in 1909 as a house for Emil Kreplin, the first mayor of Lüderitz.

To allow the house to be used for hospitality, changes would need to be made in the plumbing, electrical, and safety systems.

“The adaptive reuse of heritage buildings plays a crucial role in their long-term preservation. Buildings that remain unused are at greater risk of deterioration and loss,” Kuhanga said. When the buildings are adapted for new use, paying for their maintenance becomes sustainable, he said.

This means the buildings would contribute to economic activity while preserving their cultural and historical value.

Lüderitz Town Council properties officer Jonas Mahalelo says thoughtful modernisation is a tool for preservation rather than a threat.

“Heritage buildings like Kreplin House are an integral part of Lüderitz’s identity and historical narrative. The council advocates for development that respects and preserves the defining features and cultural significance of heritage structures, while allowing for innovation that enhances usability,” he says.

The historic structure in central Windhoek, known as The Castle, is also under consideration for redevelopment. The first structure on the hill was built in 1890 by imperial commissioner Curt von François. The architect, Wilhelm Sander, adapted it into a beer garden named Sperlingslust.

“The building reflects late-19th century European romantic architectural influences,” the NHC says in its public notice.

The proposed redevelopment is to turn the building into a boutique hotel, keeping its external appearance, proportions, and key stylistic elements.

Windhoek’s skyline view will not be altered, Kuhanga says. Historian Kletus Likuwa says changing the use of historical buildings is nothing new.

“But it’s very important for the sake of history, education and heritage that certain aspects are kept for the teaching of history,” he says.

Striking a balance between preserving history and promoting economic value allows such buildings to be used for teaching and learning, even though they are used in modern ways to pay for itself.

Kuhanga says the council considers each proposed change to heritage buildings based on established conservation principles.

The public has 14 days to register any submissions regarding the proposed developments.

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