Placemaking Project by Silvio Kirchmair, CEO of umdasch The Store Makers
PROJECT: Kämmerei Düsseldorf DEVELOPER: Art-Invest Real Estate OWNER: Art-Invest Real Estate
PROJECT HIGHLIGHT: In the heart of Düsseldorf’s old town, the listed Kämmerei is being carefully revitalized by umdasch The Store Makers. A modern mix of office, retail, restaurant and event space is being created on five floors from a former administration building – a pioneering mixed-use concept that goes beyond traditional shopping center or office building structures.
Mixed-Use As A Pioneering Concept
The intelligent interplay of various functions under one roof is what makes the Kämmerei so special. Where once there was administration, there is now a lively place where people can work, shop, meet and enjoy themselves. With an open-plan ground floor that gives the restaurant and retail areas direct access to the market square, the building becomes part of the public space – revitalizing Düsseldorf’s city center.
In addition to the new office and retail space, the atrium forms the heart of the building: the historic inner courtyard becomes a multi-functional event space – creating a vibrant bridge between the listed building and modern expectations of use.
Unique Spaces That Unite History And The Future
Instead of relying on demolition and new construction, the project is based on the sustainable revitalisation of existing buildings – an active contribution to the conservation of urban resources. Targeted refurbishment and modernization measures preserve the architectural charm of the 1950s building and combine it with today’s requirements for energy efficiency, technology and comfort. As general contractor, umdasch The Store Makers is already supporting the project in its second construction phase. Special experience, flexibility and sensitivity are required to create unique office, retail and catering spaces that harmonise listed elements with the present.
Responding To New Market Requirements
The Kämmerei addresses several current developments in the property and retail market: Building in existing properties is becoming the central discipline of the future – not least due to scarce resources. At the same time, brickand-mortar retail is changing: from the classic point of sale to a multifunctional experience and meeting place. Mixeduse concepts such as the Kämmerei make it possible to combine different needs in a holistic spatial structure.
With completion planned for the second half of 2025, Düsseldorf will have a prime example of how retail space can be combined with other concepts in a sustainable way. At umdasch The Store Makers we are delighted to be able to play an active role in the design of this special place and to realise a project that intelligently combines the past, present and future and redefines placemaking.
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