Construction 1903 (≈ 1903)
Concrete building reinforced by Alfred Munzer.
26 mars 2014
Historical monument classification
Historical monument classification 26 mars 2014 (≈ 2014)
Registration by ministerial decree.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The old shop in full, on its original parcels (cad. 06 125, 131, cf. plan annexed to the decree): registration by order of 26 March 2014
Key figures
Alfred Munzer - Engineer
Manufacturer of the reinforced concrete building.
Origin and history
The former Duméril spinning shop, Jaeglé & Cie, the Hertlein building, is the last vestige of the vast textile complex of Vieux-Thann, in the Upper Rhine. Built in 1903 in reinforced concrete according to the Hennebique system by engineer Alfred Munzer, it initially housed the factory's folding shops and workshops. Its strategic location, at the junction between the city and the industrial site, makes it a key element of the urban landscape and a symbol of the Alsatian industrial era.
This building illustrates the architectural innovation of the time, with the pioneering use of reinforced concrete, a revolutionary technique. Ranked a historical monument in 2014, it reflects the economic importance of the mills in the region, as well as their gradual decline in the 20th century. Today it is owned by the commune and retains a major heritage value, both for its history and for its architecture.
The spinning industry has had several social reasons over time, reflecting changes in the textile industry in Alsace. Located in Thierry-Mieg Square, the building is distinguished by its robust structure and its historical role in the spatial organization of Old Thann. Its listing in the inventory of historical monuments covers the entire building, including its original parcels, highlighting its exceptional character.
The site is part of a regional context marked by strong textile activity, a dominant sector of the local economy until the mid-20th century. Filatures such as Duméril's, Jaeglé & Cie employed a large labour force and structured the social life of Alsatian cities. Their utilitarian architecture, often innovative, met growing production and storage needs, while marking the landscape of their industrial footprint.
Although the sources do not specify its current use (visits, rentals, etc.), the building remains a visual and memorial landmark for the inhabitants. Its recent ranking (2014) attests to a late but determined heritage awareness aimed at preserving the tangible traces of this industrial past. GPS coordinates and the official address (1 Place Bernard Thierry Mieg) allow to locate it with satisfactory accuracy.
