Exceptional property for sale. Article Zürichsee-Zeitung from 30.9.21

The red and yellow hoses are neatly rolled up in their holders, the radios are at the ready and the equipment hangs in the lockers of the Zumikon-Küsnachterberg fire department, crowned by the cream-colored helmets. “We village kids still know that the fire department has the best parties,” reads a metal sign. The emotion of having worked, experienced and saved a lot here is palpable in the air.And yet the days of the massive building in the immediate vicinity of the village square are probably numbered, as the fire department will be moving into its new Depot in Schwäntenmos at the end of October.Thefuture of the 50-year-old fire station building has thereforebeen an issue for some time: last November, the municipal assembly authorized the municipal councilto sell the building for a minimum price of CHF 8.7 million. To find the most attractive buyer possible for the 2725 square meter property, the municipal councilcommissionedGinesta Immobilien AG from Küsnachton the basis of a tender procedure.For the Real Estate company, this is anything but an ordinary assignment. “We’ve sold a lot of things, but never a fire station building,” says Claude Ginesta, CEO of the family business.

Demolition almost certain
Anyone using the building, which also houses six apartments on the upper floor, would have enough space for a fleet of vehicles, but Claude Ginesta waves it off. “At the end of the day, it’s building land.” The experienced real estate expert says it is very unlikely that the building will remain standing. After all, it could only be used by a fire department. “It’s a typical zone where apartment buildings are built,” says Ginesta. In fact, it is a residential zone in which “only non-disturbing businesses are permitted”, as a glance at the building and zoning regulations reveals. Now that residents have been hearing sirens from time to time, things should be quieter now that the fire department has moved away. “The advantage is that it is in a very central location directly behind the village square, but it is not a core zone,” emphasizes Ginesta. This gives the future owner more freedom in terms of design. Ginesta also points out that building density could be increased compared to the current utilization.

More income expected
“There is an opportunity to submit non-binding purchase offers with proof of financing until November 16,” says Ginesta, explaining the sales process. In a further phase, the property can be inspected and binding offers can be submitted, i.e. offers that are then binding. This is scheduled to take place by December. “We will invite the interested parties with the ten highest offers from the first round of bids to the second round,” says Claude Ginesta. He assumes that the minimum price of 8.7 million will be significantly exceeded. “The estimate was made in 2019: The market has improved significantly since then.” This would benefit the municipality, which would like to cross-finance the new building with the proceeds.

Bomb-proof bunker
The property also has a special underground feature in the form of a civil defense bunker. “Demolishing a bomb-proof cellar is expensive: That’s why we asked for a quote,” says Ginesta. The result: demolition could cost half a million, which would be borne by the buyer. And there is another mortgage hidden in the ground. “There used to be a petrol station there,” says Ginesta. As a result, substances such as diesel, petrol and heavy oil could have leaked into the ground. The buyer must check how the affected soil is to be disposed of. It remains to be seen who will purchase the old fire station building. Ginesta Immobilien AG is responsible for marketing the property. However, the decision on who wins the bid for the property lies with Zumikon municipal council.

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Photos: Sabine Rock on behalf of the Zürichsee-Zeitung