Hamburg, March 28 – The long-vacant former Karstadt extension building, colloquially known as “little Karstadt,” near Mönckebergstraße is slated for demolition. An unusual new development featuring a luxury hotel, offices, and apartments is planned to replace it.
Demolition and New Construction Plans
The building, located on Kleine Rosenstraße, once housed household goods and was connected to the main Karstadt store by a bridge, which has since been dismantled. Investor Norman Schaaf of Cells Group confirmed that the entire structure will be razed next year.
“The idea was to erect a building that is not just a pure office building, which is dark at 6 p.m., but a hotel will be added,” Schaaf stated. The plans include a 5-star hotel with 150 rooms and a rooftop terrace offering views of the Binnenalster.
Mixed-Use Development with Residential Units
A significant portion of the 22,000 square meters of rental space will be dedicated to offices. Crucially, the upper three floors facing Rosenstraße will house apartments. “That was explicitly the wish of the city, which I was happy to comply with,” Schaaf added. This will result in 20 new apartments in the city center, occupying the space where the “little Karstadt” once had four parking decks. These apartments could collectively span up to 1,700 square meters. The entire project is scheduled for completion in 2028.
Broader Urban Development Context
This development is part of a broader trend in Hamburg’s urban planning. In a related move, the city of Hamburg signed a long-term lease agreement for the former Karstadt building in Wandsbek, where parts of the Wandsbek district office will relocate.
Ongoing Infrastructure and Social Developments in Hamburg
Other significant developments in Hamburg include ongoing bridge work at Berliner Tor, causing disruptions for train and car commuters since Saturday evening. Additionally, a dispute between the Archdiocese of Hamburg and the social welfare authority has arisen regarding the sale of Groß-Sand Hospital in Wilhelmsburg, with both parties attributing the halt in negotiations to the other.
Meanwhile, discussions continue regarding the fate of the famous “Grindelkatzen” mural, which is currently hidden behind scaffolding and slated for repainting, raising questions about its potential return. Construction on the Sternbrücke also continues, with updates on its progress being closely monitored.
Impact and Future Outlook
The redevelopment of the “little Karstadt” site represents a significant investment in Hamburg’s city center, aiming to revitalize the area with a mix of commercial, hospitality, and residential uses. The inclusion of new apartments addresses the city’s desire for more central living spaces.
This project, along with other ongoing urban initiatives, underscores Hamburg’s commitment to continuous development and modernization, balancing economic growth with social and environmental considerations.
