How about this? Standing tall before you is the OpernTurm. It is a Frankfurt landmark where business meets culture.
The OpernTurm is opposite the Alte Oper. This skyscraper stands in the Westend-Süd district. Its address is Bockenheimer Landstraße 2-4. The OpernTurm’s completion in late 2009 enhanced Frankfurt’s skyline. Its elegant silhouette sets it apart. The natural stone facade contrasts with the glass towers.
Let’s delve into some interesting facts about this impressive building. The OpernTurm has 43 storeys. Three of these are below ground. The building reaches a height of 170 meters. That’s about 560 feet. Inside, you will find 16 lifts. The total floor area covers 62,500 square meters.
Christoph Mäckler designed the OpernTurm. The US firm Tishman Speyer developed it. They had previously built the Sony Center in Berlin. They also built the Messeturm in Frankfurt.
The OpernTurm features a seven-storey podium building. This faces towards Alte Oper. An 18-meter-high lobby provides access. The yellow-beige stone cladding matches surrounding buildings. This design choice helps it blend with Opernplatz.
Here is a smart fact. The OpernTurm was designed to consume less energy. It uses 23 percent less than Germany’s 2007 EnEV Energy Regulation stipulated. It was one of Europe’s first office buildings. It gained LEED Gold standard certification. This recognizes its energy efficiency.
Before the OpernTurm, the Zü rich-Haus stood here. It was one of Frankfurt’s first high-rises. Built in 1962, it was 68 meters tall. In 1998, Zü rich Versicherung wanted a taller building. They commissioned Mäckler to design a 22-meter taller building.
The initial design was bulky. Zü rich Versicherung proposed a 160-meter tower. They offered to extend the Rothschildpark. This extension would reach Bockenheimer Landstrasse. The local government agreed. However, Zü rich Versicherung sold the site to Tishman Speyer in 2004. The old tower was demolished in 2002.
Civil engineering started in late 2006. This included removing the old underground garage. The OpernTurm groundbreaking took place on January 22, 2007.
The adjoining Rothschildpark has been redesigned. It now spans 5,500 square meters. It is designed in the style of an English garden.
In November 2009, Manufactum became the first tenant. This retailer moved into the podium building. UBS Group AG is the anchor tenant. They occupy 31,000 square meters. Several leading legal services also occupy floors. These include Allen & Overy and Ashurst. BlackRock is also a tenant.
The OpernTurm has its own postcode. That postcode is 60306.
Two Circular Full Vision revolving doors grace the entrance. A Royal Prestige Revolving Door provides access to a second entrance hall. This door has collapsible door wings for emergencies.
Consider the OpernTurm a symbol. It represents Frankfurt’s blend of finance and culture. Its sustainable design sets an example. It enhances the city’s skyline. The OpernTurm stands as a testament to modern architecture.