Torre Pregassona

An icon gets a new lease of life

The high-rise building at Via Industria 17 in Pregassona is in significant need of renovation and does not meet the current requirements for sustainability or contemporary living. To ensure the long-term preservation of this architecturally important building and contribute to the sustainable development of the district, a comprehensive renovation is being carried out. The focus is on energy efficiency, safety and creating contemporary accommodation for people across generations. Included in the project is a large outdoor green space with a diverse variety of plants, which will provide residents with a place to socialise and enjoy recreational activities. The neighbouring building at Via Industria 17a is also being renovated.

A contribution to the sustainable development of the district

Preserving an architectural monument and boosting the development of the district

Reviving the architecture

Built in the 1960s, Torre Pregassona is one of four high-rise buildings that are a defining feature of Lugano’s cityscape. To enable the building’s long-term preservation, all of its technical installations need to be updated and the current standards for energy efficiency, seismological safety and fire protection must be implemented. As part of the renovation project, the building’s striking architecture will be preserved and enhanced. The building contractors are thereby complying with the wishes of the Lugano district design commission.

The renovation of Torre Pregassona has been planned in close collaboration with the Lugano authorities. The property is owned by the SF Sustainable Property Fund‭, ‬an investment vehicle of Swiss Finance‭ ‬&‭ ‬Property Funds AG‭. ‬The SF Sustainable Property Fund pursues a comprehensive set of sustainability objectives and implements clearly defined standards for sustainability and energy efficiency.

Contemporary apartments for Pregassona

The renovation of the high-rise building aims to support the development of the Pregassona district by offering accommodation for a wide local target market. A total of 94 apartments will be made available in the high-rise building and the neighbouring building, all of which will have a loggia or a balcony. The apartments are designed to meet contemporary living requirements and to be suitable for people of all ages. The aim is for everyone to feel equally comfortable, whether singles, couples or families, young or elderly.

Like all SF Sustainable Property Fund properties, Torre Pregassona will be renovated according to clearly defined sustainability criteria, paying equal and simultaneous attention to environmental, social and economic objectives. The goal is for the building’s renovation to achieve certification with a sustainability standard.

Attractive outside space as a meeting place

With the property’s current parking spaces being moved to an underground car park, a generously proportioned outdoor space will be freed up that residents can use for recreational purposes and socialising. Richly vegetated and equipped with seating and a large play area, the plan is for this to become a vibrant meeting place.

A high-quality place in which to spend time thanks to the open spaces, recesses, seating options and large play area
Good thoroughfares and links to the neighbourhood

Qualities of the outside space:

  • piazza with paved areas, trees and seating options
  • green recreation areas with tranquil smaller spaces
  • large play area
  • biodiverse planting with native trees, shrubs, herbs and wildflower meadows
  • clear separation between footpaths and access roads
  • good thoroughfares and links to the neighbourhood
Species-rich planting to promote biodiversity

Step by step

The renovation concept for the property Via Industria 17/17a was drawn up by the engineering company Evolve SA. The next step is for Evolve SA to complete the construction project.

Contact

Any questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us.

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    Frequently asked questions

    Why does the property have to be refurbished?
    The tower block was built in the 1960s and is in urgent need of refurbishment. The technical facilities are outdated and some of them have reached the end of their service life. Today’s standards in terms of eco-friendliness and contemporary living, including age-appropriateness, are not met.

    What work needs to be carried out?
    The technical installations (heating and ventilation systems, sanitary facilities, pipework, electrical systems, and the lift) must be completely replaced, and fire protection and earthquake safety improved. The roof, windows and building shell are being renovated. The load-bearing walls will be reinforced, and all walls will be re-plastered in accordance with current fire protection regulations to provide earthquake protection to current standards. During the refurbishment work, the layouts will be adapted to today’s housing needs and age-appropriate requirements.

    Is the refurbishment being carried out in stages?
    As structural adjustments such as replacing the technical systems and improving earthquake safety can only be carried out across several storeys, it is unfortunately not possible to carry out a phased refurbishment while the building is occupied.

    When will the refurbishment start?
    The refurbishment will begin in March 2026.

    Will the tenants have to move out?
    Yes. Since a phased refurbishment is not possible, the tenants have had to move out of the building. They had about a year to find alternative accommodation with the professional support of Livit AG’s tenant service team. Suitable accommodation was found for all tenants.

    Can the current tenants move into the refurbished multi-storey building?
    Yes. The current tenants have first refusal on the refurbished apartments, provided their applications fulfil the usual criteria.

    When will the refurbished apartments be ready for occupancy?
    The apartments in the annex are expected to be ready for occupancy from summer 2027, and those in the high-rise building from November 2027. Letting will commence in summer/autumn 2026.

    What will the new project look like?
    The project provides for an attractive mix of apartments with various layouts and sizes. A total of 94 rented apartments will be created in the multi-storey building and the adjoining building. To ensure that singles, young professionals, couples, families and senior citizens all feel equally well catered for, the accommodation options will range from studio apartments to apartments with 5.5 rooms. All apartments will have a loggia or a balcony. The creation of an underground car park will free up a generously proportioned area in the inner courtyard, which will serve as a space for residents to relax and socialise. The outdoor space will be landscaped and equipped with seating and a large play area. Heat and energy will be generated using an air-to-water heat pump and a photovoltaic system. The plan is for the refurbished property to be certified according to a sustainability standard.

    Will there be public use after the refurbishment?
    The refurbishment of the property should contribute to the enhancement of the neighbourhood. In addition to the diversification of the residential facilities, an underground car park is being built to create a spacious outdoor area for residents and neighbours to meet and relax. The striking aesthetic of the tower block will be retained during the refurbishment. In doing so, the owners are following the wishes of the Lugano District Commission.

    How much will the new apartments cost?
    The extensive refurbishment will result in a rent rise. The individual rents will vary depending on the apartment’s floor, location, and layout. The actual rents cannot currently be confirmed. What is certain is that they will be in line with local market levels.