Beneath its imposing facade, Haus Cumberland holds stories of ambition, bankruptcy, and rebirth. Right here on Kurfürstendamm, this Grade II listed building stands. It is a testament to Berlin’s ever-changing landscape.
Initially envisioned as an apartment hotel in 1911, Haus Cumberland was the brainchild of Robert Leibnitz. He was the architect known for designing the Hotel Adlon. The building’s name paid homage to Ernest Augustus, Crown Prince of Hanover and Duke of Cumberland. This was purely for marketing reasons.
The original plan called for a grand structure. It was supposed to be 60 feet wide and 180 feet tall. Three courtyards with fountains would be built, covering around 10,000 square meters. Suites were designed to be rented out with domestic staff. However, the owner went bankrupt before the grand opening. The inventory and furniture were auctioned off.
During World War I, Haus Cumberland temporarily housed the Arms and Ammunition Procurement Office. It was then transformed into a grand hotel with 700 beds. Later, it served as a main post office. Starting in 1920, the Ministry of Economics, theaters, and cinemas found their home here. From 1936 onward, various tax authority offices occupied the building. From 1966 to 2003, the Berlin Regional Finance offices were located here. The Haus Cumberland stood largely empty except for the shops on the ground floor.
In 2004, Haus Cumberland was renamed “Hotel Brecker” for the film *The Bourne Supremacy*. In 2006, the ORCO group purchased the building for €40 million. Initial plans included a luxury hotel and shopping mall.
However, fate had other plans. In 2011, a major fire broke out during renovation work. Two construction workers and a firefighter were slightly injured. The fire also damaged the roof and caused the dome of the first courtyard to collapse.
Despite the setback, Haus Cumberland was officially handed over on September 14, 2013. It became a residential complex for 500 residents. It includes 166 freehold apartments and 17 penthouses.
Today, Haus Cumberland shines as a blend of historical grandeur and modern living. The building has offices, retail spaces, and apartments. The old-world charm is preserved. Original features like wood-paneled walls, ornate stucco ceilings, and ceiling paintings remain. It’s a reminder of the building’s rich and complex past.
So, as you stand before Haus Cumberland, remember its journey. It transformed from a failed apartment hotel to a wartime office to a modern residential complex. It is a symbol of Berlin’s resilience. It is a testament to the enduring power of architecture and history.