This apartment house located at Bem rakpart 54-55, in the 2nd district of Budapest, boasts a rich history dating back to 1899. Designed by the renowned architect Sándor Hauszmann for András Holtzspach, the building later became the property of Károly Haggenmacher, a key figure in Budapest’s development. Károly was the brother of Henrik Haggenmacher and their family significantly impacted Budapest’s industrial landscape.

The Haggenmachers hailed from Switzerland and left their mark on Budapest in various ways. Károly Haggenmacher, the owner of this very apartment house, was a successful industrialist who operated mills. He even employed another Swiss individual, Julius Maggi, as his deputy for a time. This connection holds particular significance, as Julius Maggi would later go on to found the famous Maggi brand, now owned by Nestlé.

But the Haggenmachers’ contributions to Budapest go beyond this chance encounter. The family established themselves as prominent industrialists. Henrik Haggenmacher senior, father of Károly and Henrik Jr., founded a successful mills in Budapest, contributing to the city’s industrial growth in the mid-19th century. Károly, the owner of this apartment building, also owned and operated mills, further demonstrating the family’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Henrik Haggenmacher Jr., Károly’s nephew, played a crucial role in Budapest’s brewing industry. In 1862, he acquired a small brewery in Kőbánya, which flourished under his leadership. By 1875, it had become the third-largest beer producer in Hungary, renowned for its high-quality lagers. The Haggenmachers’ brewery eventually merged with its main competitor, the Dreher Brewery, in 1923.

The Haggenmachers were not just successful businessmen; they were also known for their philanthropic contributions. Henrik Haggenmacher senior actively supported various charitable causes and educational institutions, leaving a positive social impact on Budapest.