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Midstad Frankfurt

Frankfurt / Germany

The proposal for the Midstad Frankfurt project focuses on transforming the inner-city Frankfurt location 'Östliche Zeil,' addressing urban, economic, and cultural needs. The goal is to convert the existing 6-story, monofunctional 1980s department store, Weltstadthaus Peek&Cloppenburg, into a vibrant 10-story multi-use complex. The design includes retaining three retail floors while adding two 'playground' levels, a two-form entry elementary school on the fifth floor, 56 long-stay apartments, and high-quality office and conference spaces on the upper floors.

a group of people are walking down a street in front of a large building .
© RPBW
 

A key aspect of the transformation is improving permeability and accessibility. New entrances will be added from Reiffensteinplatz and Reineckstrasse, with a light-filled passageway connecting two courtyards. Visitors will have the option to choose between escalators or attractive glass elevators. The building’s volume will be fragmented to create a more open, light-filled structure, replacing the closed department store design. The main north façade on Zeil will feature a transparent wood-and-glass screen, offering views into the interior's varied activities, including cultural, co-working, and children's spaces, with a prominent two-story multifunctional hall at its center.

an artist 's impression of a city square with a large building in the background .
© RPBW
An artist 's impression of a large building surrounded by trees
© RPBW
a group of people are standing around a basketball court in a large building .
© RPBW

Project Details

Status

2023 - ongoing

Client

JC Real Estate

Design

Renzo Piano Building Workshop, architects

in collaboration with Holger Meyer Architekten (Frankfurt)

Design Team

J.Moolhuizen, E.Volz (partner and associate in charge)