The NV Zeedijk method means that the purchase of a property involves a lot more than the purchase and possible restoration alone. We take café ‘t Mandje here as an example to show concretely how the NV Zeedijk method works.
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Example NV Zeedijk method : purchase ‘t Mandje
[/split_line_heading]It is the combination of different aspects that turn the purchase of ‘t Mandje from a single event into a strengthener of the social cohesion in the area.
Thanks to its intensive presence in the area, NV Zeedijk learns in 2020 that the owner of café ‘t Mandje wants to sell the entire property at Zeedijk 63. NV Zeedijk sees a great opportunity here because café ‘t Mandje is a unique place on the Zeedijk, an important symbol in Amsterdam’s gay history . ‘t Mandje has been included as heritage in the Amsterdam canon and has been recreated in the Amsterdam Museum. This icon could potentially fall into the hands of people who care more about real estate than heritage – it is not protected. The owner Diana van Laar, as niece of the original founder Bet van Beeren, is strongly committed to preserving the heritage.
This is a special opportunity for NV Zeedijk from the point of view NV Zeedijk method. Café ‘t Mandje attracts a public (other than the low budget tourist) and connects a diversity of residents and visitors from outside around the theme of equality and tolerance : a theme that fully fits in with the DNA of the Zeedijk. NV Zeedijk puts a lot of effort in the acquisition of ‘t Mandje because ‘t Mandje can have a strategic position on the Zeedijk for quality of life and social cohesion. It also has the potential to contribute substantially to the city center and the policies of Amsterdam Municipality, with its heritage and the existing community around it.
Once purchased, it has yet to be fulfilled. As with any purchased property, a lot of attention is needed for the real estate itself: the condition of the walls, roof and foundation, possible presence of asbestos, neglect of the interior and external painting, etc. But this does not yet create liveability and cohesion. In addition, a special situation arises. NV Zeedijk is now responsible for a part of Amsterdam’s heritage . However, the core of the NV Zeedijk method is the role of NV Zeedijk as a real estate owner who uses real estate as a means for the better. Therefor NV Zeedijk itself never acts as operator.
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The plan arises to create a special foundation that will exploit the property. A foundation can focus on the heritage in the objective . The exploitation becomes economically profitable because the foundation may attract an entrepreneur for the exploitation at a higher rent than the foundation itself pays to NV Zeedijk. In addition, the upper floors can be converted into a lodging house with 3 rooms, which can also bring income for the new foundation.
Step by step NV Zeedijk finds out how deeply meaningful café ‘t Mandje, founded in 1927 still is for the current LHBTIQ+ community – and for the many Amsterdam sympathizers of the idea that you may love who you want ! The Facebook page alone has a few thousand followers. The purchase of ‘t Mandje by NV Zeedijk has evoked many emotions and has also produced a list of interested parties who would like to become the new café operator. They all show their commitment to the special heritage that this building represents, as one of the candidates expressed emotionally: ‘you can try but you really won’t find anyone who understands so deeply what ‘t Mandje is about and who loves it so dearly as I do’.
NV Zeedijk deploys a supervisor to ensure that this process runs smoothly, to inform those involved and to set up a foundation that has support in the LGBTIQ+ community. The process counselor, in consultation with NV Zeedijk, the district chairperson and a municipal councilor, approaches a number of influential people from the community (with managerial and organisational skills) for a Round Table meeting. It is the start of the actual formation of a team that works together with NV Zeedijk on the drafting of statutes, the plan of approach (vision for heritage and community, project plans, cooperation partners, choice of operator), the takeover of all social media associated with ‘t Mandje and protection of the brand name.
Although the project fits seamlessly into the Amsterdam plans for the city center approach, there are nevertheless opposing movements in the contacts with civil servants. NV Zeedijk plays chess on various boards for this.
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How do you see the NV Zeedijk method of the 5 Elements?
[/nectar_highlighted_text]The will of the management to make the extra effort associated with the implementation of the vision – acquiring and further developing ‘t Mandje with a specific goal, namely involving a community and creating desired local, national and international visitor flows;” icon_iconsmind=”iconsmind-Eye2″]
The willingness as a property owner to talk with a foundation in formation about their ideas and also hesitations, the ability to encourage them, to give them confidence and to work with them;” icon_iconsmind=”iconsmind-Home”]
Knowledge of, insight into and respect for the LGBTIQ+ community in Amsterdam (and beyond) or knowing how to organize it ;
Cooperation with the local government for vision, recognition, licenses, contacts;” tab_id=”1532458311259-10″ icon_iconsmind=”iconsmind-Link-2″]
A new foundation board from the community is given and takes responsibility.” tab_id=”1532458311282-3″ icon_iconsmind=”iconsmind-Handshake”]
An initiating attitude, maintaining the balance between putting forward ideas yourself and letting others develop ideas, reacting quickly to all signals from the field;
Progress of the process of creating a new foundation on the one hand and of the project development on the other hand (eventual property vacancy is expensive).” tab_id=”1532458311305-5″ icon_iconsmind=”iconsmind-Bar-Chart”]
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