ABG Real Estate Group and HanseMerkur unveil €250 million revitalisation plan for Frankfurt landmark

ABG Real Estate Group and HanseMerkur Grundvermögen AG have announced ambitious plans to revitalise the historic PALAIS AM ROSSMARKT in the heart of Frankfurt. The €250 million project aims to transform the listed landmark into a state-of-the-art office and commercial building while preserving its architectural heritage. The redevelopment is set to begin in 2026, with completion expected by 2029.

The revitalisation will be carried out in compliance with heritage protection requirements, in coordination with the City of Frankfurt and the State Office for the Preservation of Monuments of Hesse. The iconic natural stone façade will be carefully restored, while the 1960s attic floor will be removed and replaced with a modern glass rooftop structure and green terrace. Historic interior elements, including the Frankfurter Saal and the grand staircase, will also be restored to their original design. The inner courtyard will be redesigned to provide additional recreational space, fostering a unique urban working environment with abundant natural light.

The project includes 15,800 sqm of lettable space, designed for flexible office configurations with spacious layouts, high ceilings, and advanced smart-building technology. A 1,500 sqm rooftop garden will provide a green retreat in the city centre, contributing to an improved microclimate and urban biodiversity. Shared workspaces, a café with outdoor seating on Triangelplatz, and a publicly accessible green rooftop will enhance the vibrancy of the Rossmarkt district.

Designed by renowned architect Volker Staab, known for projects such as the Jewish Museum Frankfurt and the House of the Wannsee Conference in Berlin, the revitalisation seeks to blend historic preservation with modern sustainability standards. The project targets LEED Platinum, WELL Gold, and WiredScore Gold certifications, incorporating high-efficiency heat pumps, photovoltaic energy systems, and intelligent climate control technologies to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions.

The building permit application is expected to be submitted in the second half of 2025, with construction set to commence in 2026.

Commenting on the project, Ulrich Höller, Managing Partner of ABG Real Estate Group, emphasized the significance of the development: “The PALAIS AM ROSSMARKT is one of Frankfurt’s most architecturally significant properties. This project reflects our commitment to harmonising history and modernity while achieving the highest sustainability standards.”

Malte Andes, Deputy Chairman of HanseMerkur Grundvermögen AG, highlighted the project’s contribution to Frankfurt’s urban renewal: “With Palais am Rossmarkt, we are once again shaping the city’s future, as we did with Central Parx. This development aligns with our strategy of combining prime locations with state-of-the-art facilities.”

Marcus Gwechenberger, Head of Planning and Housing for the City of Frankfurt, welcomed the initiative: “This revitalisation supports the transformation of the Rossmarkt district into a more accessible and lively urban space. Features such as shared workspaces, a café, and a publicly accessible rooftop garden align with our vision for a more open and welcoming city centre.”

With sustainability, heritage, and innovation at its core, the PALAIS AM ROSSMARKT redevelopment is set to become a landmark project in Frankfurt’s evolving urban landscape.