21st CENTURY LIVING
MODERN LIVING IN HISTORIC SURROUNDINGS
THE FACTORY AND 'THE FABRILO'
In 1986 Droste falls into foreign hands and production is moved to Vaassen. For a while some of the buildings were used for storage, but after that the buildings stand empty for years.
At the start of the 21st century, the old business site is being redeveloped. The most characteristic monumental buildings are preserved, such as the Drostefabriek and the more recent storage silo (the 'Fabrilo') on the water. In the area around it, a residential area is being created, now known as the Sportliedenbuurt. Seven modern building blocks known as 'citadels' with a total of 229 homes are built on the site of the former factory halls.
Modern apartment complex
Architectural firm Braaksma & Roos redesigned the Drostefabriek, converting it into a modern apartment complex. Characteristic elements have been preserved, such as the staircase with the original granite steps. The steel structure of the factory is a returning element in all the apartments. A pixellated image in tiles of the characteristic nurse decorates the entrance of the building.
On the central square in front of the factory, the Max Euweplein, two steam engines from Grasso's Den Bosch have been placed. Closer to the water you will find a grinding press. They refer to the history of the building, just like the modern version of the Drostemannetje on the quay.