Steinenvorstadt risks failing to gain listed status

In Basel’s Steinenvorstadt district, the demolition of an entire row of houses has suddenly ceased to be merely a matter of urban development. Four historic buildings have been listed on the cantonal register of listed buildings, and the conflict between preservation and urban densification is now before the Administrative Court.

In July 2026, the Cantonal Government added the properties at Steinenvorstadt 16 to 22, together with the rear addresses on Steinenbachgässlein, to the cantonal list of listed buildings. It is precisely against this decision that an appeal has now been lodged, which the Basel Administrative Court must rule on. For the owners, this means that not only is a demolition application at stake, but also the question of whether it is even possible to plan a replacement building on one of Basel’s most distinctive nightlife streets.

The case is particularly contentious because the buildings are among the last remaining older structures on this stretch of road. The canton classifies them as high-status listed buildings due to their urban planning, architectural and cultural significance, and prioritises the public interest in their preservation over private economic interests. At the same time, the decision stipulates that the existing use as residential and commercial buildings is not prevented by the protection, and that extensive refurbishments remain possible.

Densification clashes with existing buildings
The owner, Imba Liegenschaften AG of Birsfelden, wishes to demolish the row of houses and replace them with a new development comprising flats. According to the published project details, the replacement development is set to create around 70 per cent more rental accommodation. It is precisely this point that makes the case tricky for urban development. In a location with high demand, additional housing clashes directly with the protection of a historic ensemble that has become rare.

A decision with implications beyond the plot
The conflict extendsbeyondthese four properties. If the Administrative Court upholds the listing, this will strengthen the preservation of distinctive remaining historic buildings even in cases where owners argue for additional housing. If the protection is overturned, the logic of replacement new-builds will gain ground in a central Basel location. This leaves open not only the fate of the houses on Steinenvorstadt, but also the extent to which heritage protection and infill development will be weighed against one another in future.

Sources
, Canton of Basel-Stadt, brief reports from the cantonal government meeting in July 2026
Digital reading room of the Basel-Stadt State Archives on the building applications for Steinenvorstadt 16 to 22
Basel-Stadt Geoportal on the list of listed buildings and related procedures