Springer Area

The Springer Quarter is being developed on the publisher’s former site in Hamburg’s inner city. The project consists of two distinct parts: a new office and commercial building is constructed next to the listed high-rise building.

The high-rise building at the front of the site will give the location its identity. The high-rise slab with its plinth, which was inaugurated in 1956 as head office of the Axel Springer publishing house, was listed as a historic building in 1997. As part of the refurbishment, the 50-meter-high building is being upgraded to current energy conservation standards without significantly changing its appearance. The interior will be completely renewed to suit modern office requirements.

Adjacent to the high-rise building, where the middle tract of the publishing complex used to stand, an eight-story office and commercial building is being built. The large development follows the line of the street, creating a solid block edge facing the public space. Being placed in line with the neighboring buildings, the new building also features two recessed stories at the top that are in line with the eaves of the adjacent buildings. The first floor will accommodate commercial units and restaurants; most of the upper floors are designed for offices. A pedestrian zone will be established between the Springer Quarter and the District Offices to the north, which can be used by the public to walk across the quarter. With its light-colored natural stone facade, the new building replicates the appearance of the existing high-rise building, creating a coherent ensemble.