Completed in 1966, the Kontorhaus am Großmarkt stands as a testament to Hamburg’s architectural evolution. Did you know that this listed office building sits in a prime location? It bridges the gap between HafenCity and City Süd.
Let’s delve into the story of the Kontorhaus am Großmarkt. This building has undergone significant changes since 2009. It was then that extensive renovation measures began. The façade received a complete makeover. The renovation respected its listed status. The underground car park was renovated by the end of 2011.
After a long period as a portfolio property, the Kontorhaus am Großmarkt was sold to a property fund. This marked a new chapter in its history.
The Kontorhaus am Großmarkt is part of a larger architectural movement. The Kontorhaus District arose in the 1920s and 1930s. It showcases Hamburg’s architectural highlights. These blocks often feature intricately ornamented brick facades. They represent the era of Brick Expressionism. Buildings like the Meßberghof embody the epoch of New Objectivity.
The Kontorhaus District is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the southeastern part of Altstadt. It lies between Steinstraße, Meßberg, Klosterwall, and Brandstwiete. Large office buildings in the style of Brick Expressionism characterize the streetscape.
The area has been densely built since the 17th century. This resulted in a so-called Gängeviertel. These were corridor quarters with narrow alleys. The density increased after the Hamburg fire in 1842. A cholera epidemic broke out in 1892. The poor hygienic conditions caused the disease to spread rapidly. This led to the decision to redevelop the area.
Fritz Schumacher played a key role in replanning the site. He aimed to meet the increasing space requirements of Hamburg merchants. Large Kontorhouses were constructed, although some living space was initially planned. Burchardplatz forms the center of the complex.
The buildings were mainly made of reinforced concrete. The new buildings were individually designed. Klinker brick facades and copper roofs are characteristic features. The upper floors are often set back to open up the street canyons. Decorative elements on the facade are also made of clinker brick. Ceramic sculptures often connect to Hamburg trade and crafts.
The Chilehaus is one of the most famous buildings in the Kontorhaus District. It was designed by Fritz Höger and built between 1922 and 1924. It owes its name to shipowner Henry B. Sloman. He made his fortune trading with Chile saltpeter. The building is considered Höger’s main work.
The Miramar-House was built in 1921/22 for the trading company Miramar. The design came from Max Bach. One of its stylistic elements is the rounded corner. Sculptures by Richard Kuöhl in the entrance area represent Hamburg’s economy.
The Sprinkenhof was built between 1927 and 1943. Architects Hans and Oskar Gerson and Fritz Höger designed it. It was Hamburg’s largest office complex at the time. The decorative elements on the facade were designed by Ludwig Kunstmann.
Between 1924 and 1926, an office building for Dobbertin & Co. and Reederei Komrowski was built. Distel and Grubitz were the architects. The Montanhof features recessed upper floors. The clinker brick building is decorated with Art Deco elements.
Hans and Oskar Gerson also designed the Meßberghof. Max Bach built the “Hubertushaus” office building. Rudolf Klophaus designed the Altstädter Hof and the Bartholomayhaus. Richard Kuöhl also designed the Hermes sculpture at the Mohlenhof entrance.
Two buildings predate Schumacher’s redesign. One is the house at Schopenstehl 32. The other is the police station at Klingberg. New buildings like the “Danske Hus” follow the style of existing clinker brick buildings.
Most buildings in the Kontohausviertel are listed. In 2015, the Kontorhausviertel and Speicherstadt became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As we conclude our visit to the Kontorhaus am Großmarkt, reflect on how this building embodies Hamburg’s architectural and economic history. It stands as a proud symbol of the city’s past and present.