Could these walls talk, what tales would Livingston’sches Stallgebäude tell? We stand before a unique building. This is not just any structure. It is the Livingston’sches Stallgebäude. A former horse stable steeped in history.
Built between 1880 and 1882, the Livingston’sches Stallgebäude was commissioned by Marks John Livingston. Livingston was a Frankfurt merchant who had returned from America. Christian Ludwig Schmidt, a Frankfurt builder, designed it. Livingston’s family resided in a villa on Bockenheimer Landstraße.
Notice the architectural style. The Livingston’sches Stallgebäude showcases Neo-Renaissance design. The double-gate arcade is remarkable. Also admire the roof with its horse bust and clock tower. An Atlas figure adorns the corner of Ulmenstraße and Kettenhofweg.
Space was a premium. Therefore, an elevator system was installed. This lifted carriages to the upper floor. Imagine the complexity of that operation.
Livingston’sches Stallgebäude later changed hands. Frances Livingston, Marks’ widow, sold it in 1889. The buyer was Maximilian Benedikt Hayum von Goldschmidt-Rothschild. Despite this, the building is not the Rothschild’sches Stall.
After 1945, the building housed a cabaret. Later, it served as a warehouse for ADOX photo works. The Perel real estate group acquired the building in 1971. Citizen initiatives saved it from decay.
In 2019, the Livingston’sches Stallgebäude housed a restaurant. The Frankfurt Press Club uses the upper floor for events. Today, it is a protected monument. Its preservation is a testament to its significance.
The Livingston’sches Stallgebäude stands as a reminder of Frankfurt’s past. It survived demolition threats. Now, it thrives as a cultural landmark. The building has undergone extensive renovations. It was reopened with new restaurants in 2012. The Livingston’sches Stallgebäude has witnessed many changes. From horse stable to press club, its story continues.