Bean There Before: The Story Behind Our Building

If you’ve visited Bean There Co., you’ve probably looked around and wondered… what was this place before?

You’re not the only one asking. The short answer is: this building used to be a slibvijzel gemaal. And yes, that usually comes with a confused look, so let me explain.

What is a slibvijzel gemaal?

A slibvijzel gemaal is a type of pumping station used in Dutch water management systems. The Netherlands has a long history of controlling water levels, and structures like this played an important role in that.

More specifically, this building was used to move sludge (slib) and water using a large screw pump, also known as an Archimedean screw. These systems were designed to transport water and waste efficiently from one level to another, helping to keep areas dry and livable.

So before espresso machines and filter brews, this space was all about engineering, movement, and flow.

Why it matters today

In a way, not much has changed.

This space still brings movement and flow, just in a different form. People come in, connect, pause, and share moments over coffee. What used to move water through the city now brings people together inside it.

There’s something special about building something new inside a place with so much history. You can still feel it in the structure, in the stairs, in the way the space unfolds.

So next time you’re here, take a moment to look around.

You’re not just in a café.

You’re in a piece of Amsterdam’s living history.

And well… Bean There before ☕