Frankfurt's Urban Reinvention: High-Rise Plans Unveiled in 2024
Prepare to witness a fresh chapter in Frankfurt's skyline, as the city unveils its bold, updated high-rise development plan in Q1 2024. Coming straight from the desk of Marcus Gwechenberger, Frankfurt's Head of Planning, this plan is gearing up to set new standards, emphasizing accessibility, and improving the city center with public-friendly facilities.
High-rises, iconic landmarks of Frankfurt, are set to find their new address in the city map, with a strategic location and a sprinkling of clusters serving up Frankfurt's striking skyline, especially in the banking district and exhibition grounds.
While we're waiting to see precisely where these new high-rises will pop up -- with the option of areas in the banking district and European Central Bank's eastern realm on the cards -- one thing's for sure: aiming for moderate development.
Tallying up Frankfurt on Main's magnificent skyline, you'll discover almost 40 high-rises that soar past 100 meters, with 50% exceeding 150 meters, which is typically a skyscraper benchmark.
At Frankfurt's top, the 259-meter Commerzbank Tower competes with the Messeturm, standing tall at 256.5 meters. But the centre stage is about to be shaken up with the completion of 'The Four' project, due in 2025, spreading its wings with mixed-use structures, offices, apartments, a public market hall, and a roof-top terrace for all to enjoy.
Hesse, the state under whose gaze Frankfurt resides, is a trailblazer when it comes to urban planning. Driven by Gwechenberger's guidance, Frankfurt is making every effort to resurrect its city center by incorporating essential public facilities into its high-rise buildings, including restaurants, stores, culture, and sports spaces.
Enrichment Data:* To ensure the success of these grand plans, Hesse’s municipalities are working hand-in-glove with architects on the strategy. The 'Central Business Tower' (CBT) project stands as an exemplary testament to this collaboration.
Tenant and Lease Agreement: Commerzbank will ink a 15-year lease deal with Helaba Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen, the developer and landlord of the CBT. Over 73,000 square meters of space across 52 floors will be allocated, housing 3,200 workplaces commencing from 2028.
Building Structure and Features: The 205-meter high CBT will seamlessly integrate with the historical bank's heritage-listed façade and the rotunda foyer from 1891. This fusion will see a glass hall connect the two buildings, with the building's public spaces boasting an upscale restaurant, café, and a Frankfurt Weltkulturen Museum branch.
Focus on Public Use in Base Areas: To make the project socially and culturally significant, a considerable emphasis is placed on the historic façade, and foyer integration into public space. Public amenities such as restaurants and a museum branch will further enrich the area, boosting its appeal and availability for everyone.
Sustainability and Urban Development: The project will tune into ESG criteria, striving for a high-quality workspace that keeps employees motivated. The development aims to centralize Commerzbank’s functional and group management units, enriching Frankfurt's urban environment.
