Dreaming of combining shopping, history and architecture? The Schultheiss Quartier offers all of that. This revitalized shopping center stands on the grounds of the former Schultheiss Brewery in Berlin-Moabit.
Let’s dive into the story of this unique location. The Schultheiss brewery was founded in 1826. Its main sections were completed in 1926 with the monumental machine hall. The yellow and red brick buildings showcase Berlin’s industrial brick architecture. The oldest structure is the prominent brewhouse. Architect Friedrich Koch built it in 1872. Its tower and yellow brick remind some of a medieval castle.
In 2012, HGHI Holding GmbH acquired the brewery site. Construction began in autumn 2015 and finished in summer 2018. HGHI transformed the historical ensemble into a metropolitan center. It offers shopping, services, and entertainment.
Max Dudler led the facade design for the listed and new buildings. Pechtold Architekten handled the mall and new buildings. Architectural office Rautenbach took care of the building stock. Together, they created a city within a city, with its own identity.
Two large new buildings frame the heritage-listed building stock. One stands south at Turmstrasse and Stromstrasse. The other is to the north on Perleberger Strasse. Streets, lanes, squares, and passages weave through the area.
Max Dudler’s design aimed to revitalize the area. The new buildings engage in a dialogue with the historic architecture. They unify contemporary commercial premises with Berlin’s brick tradition. Yellow Brandenburg brick became a key motif. It continues the existing building substance. The design adopts proportions and structures from the historical facades. Pilasters from the historical stock receive vertical cascades on the new build. This creates the appearance of clustered piers.
The facade’s horizontal structure balances the proportions. This allows the new buildings to integrate into the urban context. Variegated water-struck bricks add vitality to the surfaces.
The historical buildings were restored and converted into modern spaces. The floors above the shopping arcade in the brewhouse became office space. The new building to the south houses a Meininger hotel. Studios in the narrow streets between the coach houses offer space for mixed commercial use.
Originally, the Schultheiss Quartier featured 30,000 square meters of retail space. It also had 15,000 square meters of office space. A hotel provided 250 rooms. However, visitor numbers decreased. The shopping center was redesigned. The upper floor was reduced to decrease vacant retail space. Currently, the retail space covers 20,000 square meters. The office space has increased to 25,000 square meters.
Interestingly, in July 2024, plans were announced to convert 5,000 square meters of office space into 121 furnished apartments. These will cater to tourists and business travelers by 2026.
The Schultheiss Quartier blends history with modern design. It creates a unique urban experience. The next time you’re in Berlin, take some time to explore it. You will discover the charm of this revitalized landmark.