Stokholm

In the heart of Dordrecht, the Netherlands, lies a remarkable piece of history, the Sugar Refinery Stokholm. This 18th-century listed building, with its stately façade and imposing height, stands as a testament to the city’s rich industrial past. Originally constructed as a sugar refinery, Stokholm now serves as an office building, yet its grand scale and architectural elegance continue to captivate visitors and locals alike.

Johan Anthonij Bruijn: The Visionary Behind Stokholm

Johan Anthonij Bruijn, born in Stockholm around 1695, was the mastermind behind the creation of Stokholm. In 1730, Bruijn acquired the land where the building now stands from the Dutch West India Company for a hefty sum of 4,500 guilders. He then embarked on an ambitious project, demolishing existing structures to make way for a massive sugar refinery. The total investment in this grand endeavor was no less than 24,500 guilders.

Despite Bruijn’s innovative vision and substantial investment, the refinery struggled financially. By 1736, debts had ballooned to 35,000 guilders, forcing Bruijn to file for bankruptcy. In January 1737, the refinery was put up for sale. The building, named Stokholm in honor of Bruijn’s birthplace, was described as having five complete floors above the ground floor, two sugar loaf drying rooms, and one sugar candy drying room, along with six copper pans and other necessary equipment. This setup was quite exceptional for its time, indicating Bruijn’s attempt to leverage economies of scale and process optimizations. However, the returns did not suffice to cover the investments.

Adriaan Onder de Linden and Egbertus van der Sweth: A New Chapter

In March 1737, Adriaan Onder de Linden, a sugar refiner, acquired Stokholm for 17,220 guilders. Onder de Linden also owned another refinery, De Raapkoek en de Wildeman. In 1743, he sold half of both refineries to Egbertus van der Sweth, forming a business partnership. By 1754, the duo decided to sell both refineries, along with four houses and warehouses.

The Consortium Era and Beyond

A consortium of sugar refiners purchased Stokholm and De Raapkoek en de Wildeman in 1754, with Stokholm fetching 9,150 guilders. The consortium, comprising eight buyers, likely aimed to eliminate a significant competitor. By 1766, Stokholm had ceased operations as a refinery.

In 1777, Pieter van Esch Cornelisz. acquired Stokholm for 11,000 guilders, aided by a no-interest loan from the consortium. The building transitioned into a warehouse under his ownership. Fast forward to 1850, the partnership of Hubert and Leendert Schouten, trading in dyer's madder, cereals, and seeds, took over the premises. By 1865, the Schouten company had established its office in Stokholm. In 1883, the building, previously housing a wholesale company in dyer's madder and cereals, was sold once again.

Modern-Day Stokholm

In 1983, the Wolwevers harbor in front of Stokholm was repurposed as a kind of maritime museum, allowing historic ships to make the harbor their permanent mooring. There were also plans to use Stokholm for tourism, alongside preparing it as an office building. Although the touristic and cultural plans for Stokholm did not fully materialize, the building did gain a cultural purpose. By 1995, 580 square meters of office space were available in the building.

Exploring Stokholm Today

Today, a visit to Stokholm offers a unique glimpse into Dordrecht’s industrial heritage. The building’s impressive height and grand scale are reminiscent of its past as a bustling sugar refinery. As you stroll along the Wolwevershaven, the historic charm of Stokholm, with its red shutters and gabled roof, stands out against the backdrop of modernity.

While the interior now serves as office space, the exterior remains a visual treat for architecture enthusiasts and history buffs. The building’s façade, adorned with the inscription “Stokholm” and the year of its establishment, invites you to ponder the stories of ambition, innovation, and resilience that it has witnessed over centuries.

Whether you are a history aficionado, an architecture lover, or simply a curious traveler, Stokholm in Dordrecht is a must-visit. Its storied past, coupled with its striking presence, makes it a fascinating landmark that beautifully encapsulates the spirit of Dordrecht’s industrious past and its journey through time.