The Astoria building, completed in 1905 at Keizersgracht 174–176, stands as one of the Netherlands' earliest office towers, reaching 37 metres in height. This structure represents the culmination of a career that saw Herman Hendrik Baanders transition from a provincial carpenter to an influential architect active during the Dutch fin de siècle architectural evolution.
Early Development and Training
Born in 1849 in Zutphen to a weaver, Baanders began his professional life as a carpenter. He relocated to Amsterdam in 1871 to seek better opportunities. While maintaining his trade, he pursued formal education at the Industrieschool van de Maatschappij voor den Werkenden Stand. By 1880, he had produced his first design for a house on the Swammerdamstraat, marking his move toward architectural practice.
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Baanders established himself as an independent architect around 1890, having previously worked for others. His membership in the society Architectura et Amicitia, granted in 1889, preceded a series of significant commissions. His portfolio expanded to include industrial projects, most notably the Nederlandsche Cocaïnefabriek, commissioned in 1900 and subsequently enlarged in 1902. By this time, his office had occupied various Amsterdam locations, including Sarphatipark 125 and Ruysdaelkade 27.
Stylistic Approach
His architectural output reflected the eclecticism of the late 19th century. Grounded in Neo-Renaissance principles, his work frequently incorporated Jugendstil elements. This combination appeared in residential designs across Amsterdam, from luxury mansions near the Vondelpark to functional housing blocks and canal-side shops along the Leliegracht. Many of these works, including the 1893 double house at Korte Marnixkade 4, remain standing today.
Collaboration and Legacy
In his final years, Baanders partnered with Gerrit van Arkel on major commissions, including the Astoria building. He also integrated his family into the profession, working with his eldest son, Herman Ambrosius Jan Baanders, starting in 1903. Following his death in 1905, his son assumed control of the firm. His children continued to influence Dutch design; his sons became prominent figures in the Amsterdamse School, and his daughter, Tine Baanders, achieved recognition as a graphic artist.
Fast facts
- Born: 1849, Zutphen
- Died: 1905, Amsterdam
- Profession: Architect and printmaker
- Citizenship: Kingdom of the Netherlands
- Notable project: Astoria building (1904–1905)
- Industrial project: Nederlandsche Cocaïnefabriek (1900)
- Spouse: Lena van den Berg
- Number of children: 8
Questions readers ask
What is the status of the Astoria building today?
The Astoria building has held national monument, or rijksmonument, status since 2001.
Did his children follow his career path?
Yes. His sons Herman Ambrosius Jan Baanders and Jan Baanders Sr. became architects, while his daughter Tine Baanders was a graphic artist.
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