Major construction site in St. Martin: lake chalets “Nest” and main house extension
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Quellenhof boss Heinrich Dorfer is building against the Corona crisis. The main building in St. Martin in Passeier is expanded. And not far from there is a new chalet resort with a lake landscape.
by Karin Gamper
While South Tyrol’s hotel industry is groaning under the economic consequences of the corona pandemic, Quellenhof boss Heinrich Dorfer is going his own way in Passeier. He is expanding.
The luxury resort in St. Martin is currently a major construction site. After the opening of the mainstay in Lazise on Lake Garda in 2019, the five-star operation is expanding its headquarters.
On the one hand, the main building, the Forellenhof, is getting an additional floor and a new facade as part of a qualitative expansion. The traditional style gives way to modern aesthetics. With a highlight on the roof: rooftop sauna with glass sky pool. The work should be completed by Easter.
The Dorfer family’s latest hotel project is not far away: the “Nest” chalet village with 40 beds or 20 rooms including an exclusive lake landscape. About 25,000 m³ cubature will be built underground (two floors for parking areas and technical rooms), and almost 14,000 m³ above ground. In a first step, only the underground cubature with parking garage, technical rooms and service area for waste storage will be realized. The chalets are scheduled to open in two years.
The brisk construction activity annoys the neighbors because of the noise, but the local businesses and employees are happy. And the community. The first installment (70%) for the chalet project alone has so far brought about 250,000 euros in construction and development costs into the household budget. The extension of the Forellenhof brought another 80,000 euros.
The Forellenhof after the renovation: Transparent pool on the roof (Photo: Fb / Quellenhof)
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Quellenhof boss Heinrich Dorfer explains why he is tackling two major construction projects in the Corona crisis.
Daily newspaper: Mr. Dorfer, many are currently shy of major investments because of Covid-19. They swim against the current. Why?
Heinrich Dorfer: Both projects had been planned for a long time. Originally we wanted to start later, but due to Corona we brought construction forward. It is a good time to invest.
Hotelier Heini Dorfer with family (Photo: Quellenhof)
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Why?
Building is currently cheaper and faster than usual. In the Corona crisis, many local companies are happy to receive fresh orders. You have time. The companies therefore also approached us.
Do you still need a certain amount of financial liquidity?
Fortunately, we are an economically sound company. In addition, the loans are cheaper than ever. We are preparing for the time after Corona. And the surveys show that people really want to go on vacation again.
According to the plan, the Quellenhof will start the winter season on December 18. How is the booking situation?
There are no bookings or cancellations. Everyone is waiting. We’re fully booked for Christmas. Let’s see what happens.
How is the situation at the Quellenhof on Lake Garda?
Lazise is open and busy. We have Swiss and German guests who accept the quarantine on their return. I don’t know how long it will last.
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