Hansa-Hochhaus

In 1925, the Hansa-Hochhaus briefly held the title of Europe’s tallest building. This impressive structure, located on Hansaring 97, stands as a testament to Cologne’s embrace of modern architecture. The Hansa-Hochhaus wasn’t just tall; it was a symbol of innovation and progress. It was one of Germany’s first skyscrapers, designed by the architect Jacob Koerfer. He envisioned a building that would blend functionality with artistic expression. The result was a striking example of Brick Expressionism, with a steel skeleton clad in red and brown-violet Oldenburg clinker bricks. The construction itself was a marvel. Completed in just 135 working days, the Hansa-Hochhaus rose at a pace that rivaled even American skyscraper construction. The facade featured interesting details. Triangular window designs and prominent keystones gave it a unique character. Ceramic animal and human heads crowned the gable-shaped tops of the first-floor windows. Sadly, five larger-than-life ceramic figures representing the continents, designed by Josef Pabst and Franz Albermann, were lost during World War II. The interior of the Hansa-Hochhaus was equally fascinating. A paternoster lift, the highest in Europe in 1925, still operates today. A cinema, with a café-restaurant decorated by Richard Seewald, once occupied part of the complex. The Hansa-Hochhaus has witnessed much of Cologne’s history. During World War II, it housed forced laborers. In the 1960s, it became home to the Germania Judaica library. And in 1961, the first Saturn electronics store opened within its walls. Today, the Hansa-Hochhaus continues to serve as a hub of activity. It houses offices, businesses, and a hotel. Its presence on the Cologne skyline serves as a reminder of the city’s rich past and its ongoing evolution.