Munich, July 9, 2026 – A significant urban development project is underway in Munich’s Bogenhausen district, where a large, vacant office complex in Zamilapark will be converted into more than 800 residential units. This initiative directly supports the vision of Munich’s new Mayor, Dominik Krause (Greens), who has promised to deliver 50,000 new homes to the city, partly through the ‘Office to Housing’ (O2H) strategy.
Office-to-Housing: A Model for Munich
The conversion of disused office spaces into affordable housing is a critical agenda item for Mayor Krause. With approximately 1.8 million square meters of vacant office space currently available in Munich, the Bogenhausen project is poised to become a blueprint for similar developments across the city.
The building, located on Stefan-George-Ring, dates back to the 1990s. The plan involves retaining only the core structure, with extensive renovations and partial additions to the existing framework. Christian Lealahabumrung, Managing Director of the investor Rock Capital Group, stated, “The focus is on the much-needed and highly sought-after one- and two-room apartments, which will be complemented by larger units.”
A portion of these apartments will be designated as rent-controlled housing, catering specifically to students, young professionals, and, in some cases, young families. Lealahabumrung emphasized, “This will not be a workers’ dormitory,” highlighting the diverse target demographic.
Integrated Community Facilities and Green Spaces
The residential development will be further enhanced by the inclusion of small-scale retail, gastronomy, and a new daycare center. A tranquil inner courtyard will serve as a central feature, complemented by roof gardens that expand the available green space. Parking needs will be met by the existing underground garage, alongside shared mobility options such as cargo bikes and car-sharing services.
An initially planned supermarket has been scrapped due to a lack of interest from potential operators, leading to the elimination of a ground-level extension in the courtyard. This change will create even more green space. “We see this as a positive addition to the overall Zamilapark quarter,” Lealahabumrung commented.
Rock Capital had initially intended to build residential units from the outset. Lealahabumrung explained, “The office building stands out like a foreign object in the surrounding residential area.” However, with the 2021 amendment to the Socially Just Land Use (SoBoN) policy, the original residential plan was abandoned, and office development was pursued. The SoBoN policy mandates private and commercial developers to provide a high proportion of subsidized and rent-controlled housing and to bear increased costs for social infrastructure. With new construction incentives and federal funding programs for office-to-residential conversions, the process has now become more streamlined.
Timeline and Community Engagement
The development and planning are being conducted in close coordination with the city authorities. A preliminary building permit is expected shortly, with implementation slated to commence in early 2027.
Despite the positive outlook, some criticism has emerged from the Bogenhausen District Committee, primarily concerning the apartment mix and the fact that the revised project plans were not presented to the committee again. Lealahabumrung stated, “We would have gladly presented our updated plans to the District Committee.” However, the invitation was too short-notice, and a scheduled July meeting was subsequently canceled by the committee.
This ambitious project signifies a crucial step in addressing Munich’s housing shortage and showcases a sustainable approach to urban development by repurposing existing infrastructure.
