The wvm Group has been developing residential neighborhoods in Cologne for over three decades and has also been active in Berlin for more than ten years. Over 1,000 apartments are currently under construction in both cities, backed by an equity ratio of over 30 percent. While Cologne stands for established continuity, Berlin is characterized by ongoing transformation.

Cologne, March 20, 2026. On March 19, 2026, the wvm Group hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Ostmerheimer Straße in Cologne-Merheim, officially marking the start of construction on 120 modern rental apartments. Around 50 guests from the worlds of politics, government, the housing industry, and the local community accepted the invitation to celebrate the start of this significant housing project together. Among those attending the ceremony was Claudia Greven-Thürmer, District Mayor of Kalk. A particularly memorable moment was her speech, in which she emphasized the project’s significance for the neighborhood with the following words: “As a resident of Merheim, I have witnessed firsthand the neighborhood’s transformation from a commercial area into an attractive, family-friendly residential district. I am very pleased that, with the laying of the cornerstone, the final stone for the Merheimer Gärten is now being set.” The new development will create four apartment buildings with a total of 120 rental units on a site spanning approximately 5,300 square meters. The plans include one- to four-bedroom apartments with living spaces ranging from approximately 37 to 91 square meters. All apartments feature balconies, terraces, or rooftop terraces. The development is complemented by 63 underground parking spaces. The buildings will be constructed to current energy efficiency standards and supplied with district heating. Erika Werres, Managing Director of the wvm Group, opened the event with the following words: “With today’s groundbreaking ceremony, we are sending a clear signal regarding the creation of urgently needed housing in Cologne. As a Cologne-based company, it goes without saying that we take responsibility for sustainable neighborhood development. We are creating a home for many people, and that makes me proud.” The construction work is being carried out by GOLDBECK—a partner known for progressive and customized construction methods with high architectural standards. Axel Wirges, Branch Manager for Cologne-Bonn at GOLDBECK West GmbH, explained:
“With this project, we are working together with the wvm Group to create high-quality yet affordable housing for Cologne. Our systematic construction approach allows us to optimally combine quality, sustainability, and rapid implementation—an important contribution to the future of urban living.” Upon completion, all 120 apartments will be added to VIVAWEST’s portfolio. Sandra Wehrmann, Chair of the Management Board at VIVAWEST, emphasized the project’s significance for Cologne’s housing market: “VIVAWEST manages around 4,900 apartments in Cologne, where demand significantly outstrips supply. With the neighborhood being developed here, we are working with our project partners to ease the strain on the tight rental market and expand our local portfolio with a great project. We have already worked successfully with the wvm Group in Cologne over the past few years—which is why I am confident that our future tenants will feel at home in their new residences.” Completion of the new residential neighborhood is scheduled for late 2027 or early 2028.

The wvm Group builds apartments. It has been doing so for over thirty years.
In Cologne, the company is one of the key players in residential construction, and it has been continuously active in the Berlin market for more than ten years. While many project developers come and go, the wvm Group has remained. And grown. In an industry that likes to define itself through reinvention, the company focuses on something else: continuity.
A conversation with managing director Erika Werres about attitude, responsibility, and the power of stability in turbulent times.

Carnival in Cologne means more than costumes and music—it stands for solidarity, joy, and living tradition. The wvm Group actively embraced this spirit again this year, demonstrating that responsibility for the urban community is just as important as creating living space.
At the Lost Sisters' Weiberfastnacht party, our founder and managing partner, Wolfgang von Moers, presented a donation check for €50,000. With this support, the wvm Group is strengthening the work of the association and contributing directly to charitable projects in the city.
The day was marked by energy, warm encounters, and genuine joy—a moment that made the team spirit and connection to the city palpable. It became clear that the wvm Group not only develops projects, but also actively takes responsibility and promotes community.
With this donation, the wvm Group is sending a clear signal for social commitment, social cohesion, and a strong Cologne, where tradition and responsibility go hand in hand.

Photos: Bernd Lehnert