Fenix I

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Fenix I is one of the most celebrated examples of adaptive reuse in Rotterdam and a symbol of Katendrecht’s urban transformation. Originally constructed in the 1920s as part of the San Francisco warehouse complex, the building was used for the storage and transshipment of goods coming through the Port of Rotterdam. Severely damaged during WWII and partially rebuilt afterward, the structure stood as a reminder of both the city's industrial might and its resilience.

In recent years, Fenix I was radically transformed through an ambitious architectural intervention. The design, by the Rotterdam-based firm Mei architects and planners, preserves the existing warehouse—now serving as a plinth—and adds a striking new residential volume on top, seemingly floating above the old structure. This bold fusion of historic and contemporary elements has earned the project national and international acclaim.

The base of Fenix I retains its robust industrial identity, with raw concrete columns, large open spaces, and high ceilings, now housing a mix of cultural venues, restaurants, and creative workspaces. The new upper structure contains 200+ modern loft apartments, designed with large glass façades and generous balconies that overlook the Rijnhaven and the city skyline.

A central feature of the design is the cut-out atrium, connecting the old and new volumes, allowing light to flood deep into the building and offering visual continuity between past and present. Fenix I is more than a building—it’s a case study in how architecture can honor the past while embracing the future.