Midstad Frankfurt
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 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.
Project Details
Status
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)