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Breathing new life into monumental real estate
The Oudendal Groep
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A conversation with Johan Oudendal of The Oudendal Groep
For over 40 years, The Oudendal Groep has been at the forefront of transforming real estate in Leiden and its surrounding areas, with a particular focus on preserving and restoring national monuments. Driven by a deep respect for history and a passion for creating sustainable futures, The Oudendal Groep has built a reputation for combining quality, location, and creativity in its projects. NIBC is proud to have supported The Oudendal Groep in its mission to preserve Leiden's rich architectural heritage while adapting it to meet the needs of today’s communities.
Crafting a legacy in Leiden
The Oudendal Groep’s portfolio primarily consists of commercial and residential properties located in and around Leiden’s vibrant city center. Their projects reflect a commitment to preservation and innovation, bringing out the beauty of historic buildings while incorporating modern sustainability standards.
Johan Oudendal, founder of The Oudendal Groep: "What makes this project so special to me is that we managed to construct something in the heart of Leiden city center – a location where building is typically impossible due to demolition restrictions. We made it happen, and when it’s finished, you won’t even be able to tell it’s a new development."
This vision encapsulates The Oudendal Groep’s approach to real estate: blending the old with the new in a seamless, respectful way that enhances the character of the city.
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The Hof van Zurloh project: A testament to creativity and collaboration
One of The Oudendal Groep’s recent remarkable projects is the redevelopment of the Hof van Zurloh, a site in the heart of Leiden. Acquired during the economic crisis, this project faced several challenges, but the team’s resilience and long-term planning turned it into a shining example of urban revitalization.
The transformation of the Hof van Zurloh includes:
- Underground parking: A parking garage on level -1, leased to the municipality of Leiden for bicycles and scooters.
- Retail spaces: The ground floor is home to an Albert Heijn supermarket and several shops.
- Residential units: Above, a beautifully designed courtyard features 25 homes, all accessible by a lift.
Standing in the courtyard today, you can see the combination of history and innovation. "Some façades are newly built in a monumental style, while others date back to the 1500s, with sections rebuilt in the 1700s," explains Johan Oudendal.
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability is deeply ingrained in The Oudendal Groep’s work, particularly in projects like Hof van Zurloh. By reusing monumental components and ensuring new construction meets modern environmental standards, they prioritize longevity and environmental impact.
Johan Oudendal: "Sustainability is embedded in the nature of monuments. Many have already stood for 300, 400, or even 500 years. If you consider the energy needed to construct a new building and compare it to the lifespan of such a building, it’s far better to invest in preserving and modernizing monuments."
For Johan Oudendal, restoring properties isn’t just a business – it’s a responsibility. "I restore properties this way because, deep down, it feels like a responsibility. It’s for future generations, for eternity. You’re not the owner – you’re merely a steward."
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Partnering with NIBC: Flexible and entrepreneurial thinking
The Oudendal Groep’s ability to tackle complex projects is supported by their trusted financial partner, NIBC. Johan Oudendal: "What sets NIBC apart is their entrepreneurial mindset and their collaborative approach, offering tailored financing solutions that perfectly align with our unique needs. I truly value their flexibility and their ability to think like entrepreneurs themselves. Keep fostering that entrepreneurial mindset and pass it on to the younger generation!"
This partnership allows The Oudendal Groep to continue creating impactful projects that preserve Leiden’s heritage while shaping its future.
Building a more beautiful future for Leiden
The Oudendal Groep’s dedication to quality, location, and creativity ensures that their projects not only honor the past but also meet the needs of modern communities. With a continued focus on sustainability and a respect for history, The Oudendal Groep is making Leiden a more beautiful place – one project at a time.
NIBC is proud to support visionary entrepreneurs like Johan Oudendal, whose passion and commitment leave a lasting impact on cities and communities. Together, we’re building a sustainable future for generations to come!
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