More than 120 meters of responsibility: Insights into the work of a project manager on the major Weitblick project

Major projects are not just made of concrete, glass and steel. Above all, they are created by people who take responsibility, make decisions and work every day to turn visions into reality. One of them is project manager Alexandra, who is currently overseeing one of Vienna's most ambitious building construction projects for STRABAG Real Estate: the "Weitblick" in the 2nd district. For the project manager, the large-scale project is one thing above all: a daily challenge that motivates, challenges and inspires.

A project with dimension
The Weitblick is a mixed-use building that intelligently combines office space and hotel use. Around two thirds of the building is intended for modern working environments, one third for a 4-star hotel with restaurants, conference areas and
a spectacular sky bar with 360-degree views over Vienna.

What makes the project special is not only its height, but also its claim to sustainability and urban quality of life. Compact densification makes efficient use of space, preserves green areas and reduces soil sealing. An energy-efficient building envelope, geothermal energy supply, smart monitoring and a future-oriented mobility concept with a direct connection to the subway, a new streetcar line and an extensive cycle path network are all part of the package.

"For us, foresight means creating added value for all users. From the fitness area and the highest canteen in Vienna to a shared experience for employees, hotel guests and visitors," says Alexandra, describing the
approach.

Project management means trust and the courage to make decisions
The fact that she is now responsible for a project of this magnitude is no coincidence, but the result of a career path that is strongly characterized by trust and personal responsibility. She has been with the Group for around 20 years, has held various positions and experienced early on how important it is to be given freedom and to use it.
"I had superiors who said: Do it. We trust you. That wasn't always easy, but it was extremely valuable," she says. Because project management means taking responsibility yourself.

Hurdles are part of the process
Before the Weitblick could be built, there was already a challenging phase behind the project. Unlike other developments, it was only acquired after a long acquisition process for a project that already had planning permission. It took around a year and a half of checks, coordination and negotiations before the purchase was finally completed shortly before Christmas 2024. Alexandra particularly remembers this intensive final phase because it demanded patience, perseverance and clear decisions from everyone involved.

The start of construction did not make the task any easier. Planning, construction and letting run in parallel, while many internal and external stakeholders are involved. For Alexandra, this is precisely the core of her role: taking responsibility, maintaining an overview and actively shaping things, even during intensive phases.

A working day that is never the same
How does it feel to be the project manager of a major project?

Your answer comes quickly: intense, complex, instructive.
Large-scale projects require project managers to fly at a different altitude. It's less about details and more about controlling, coordinating and making decisions. Planning and construction run in parallel, along with letting discussions, design decisions, coordination with internal and external partners, right through to lighting design or the concept for a contemporary canteen.

"Every day is different. That's what makes it so exciting," says Alexandra. The interplay of different personalities, specialist areas and perspectives - both internal and external - is particularly motivating.

Visibility and responsibility
"Weitblick" is currently one of the company's most important projects. The level of attention is correspondingly high and many eyes are watching the construction progress.
"You're in the spotlight. The responsibility is huge, but that's what makes it so appealing." For her, project management is above all active shaping: helping to shape, form, drive decisions and also master unforeseeable situations.

Sustainability also means social quality
In addition to ecological and economic factors, one topic in particular plays a major role for them: social quality. Mobility, flexible floor plans for workplace
experience, health and well-being. Because all of these factors influence how people will work and feel in the future.

The fact that hotel and office space are deliberately interlinked is part of this idea. "It's about ensuring that different uses don't exist side by side, but benefit from each other."

What she wants to pass on to future colleagues
If Alexandra can give one message to new colleagues, or those thinking about their next career move, it's this:

Because development does not come from hesitation, but from courage. Recognize opportunities, listen to your gut feeling and be prepared to learn. This is what shapes not only projects, but also careers.

And the next milestone?
The building has already visibly grown, the topping-out ceremony is slowly approaching, the façade and interior work are imminent. At the same time, the model room for the hotel is being built, design decisions are being finalized and new
project chapters are being opened.

And at the very end?
"And at the very end, when everything is in place and the view is open, we stand at the top of the Skybar, look out over Vienna and toast the project and the teamwork with a cocktail." Cheers!

Many thanks for the exciting insights and lots of fun and success in your work as project manager!