History of the building

it's all about THE

Park Lofts is housed in a stylish 19th-century building, which was opened as a school in 1882. Today, the building continues to contribute to the development of talent: an inspiring place for people who stay in Groningen for business or work.

Situated on the north side of the Groningen city centre, this magnificent structure at Boteringesingel 14 was originally built as a public school to meet the education needs for a growing population in the Botanical neighbourhood (Hortusbuurt). Commissioned by the municipality of Groningen it was designed by city architect A. Schram de Jong - greatly inspired by the popular Chalet style.

Because of the twelve classrooms in this primary school it was named School XII, later renamed to Thorbeckeschool.

Several schools were built at the Boteringesingel around that time: de Ambachtsschool and another public primary school on the corner of the Boteringestraat in 1910. What’s makes the building even more special is that the Boteringesingel 14 is the only building that remains today. Its grandeur and exquisite details make it an important landmark in the lush green Noorderplantsoen park.

Since it was built, the building has undergone several changes: the decorated wooden porches had to make place for new classrooms and also the entrance was changed.