Due to its central location and cultural history as an industrial and commercial hub, the southern part of Mülheim is of particular importance to the city and the surrounding area. The wvm Group Cologne is developing three construction sites on the property—and its plans will create an architectural landmark in the Cologne-Mülheim district on the right bank of the Rhine.
The Lindgens site is part of the overall urban development project “Mülheimer Süden,” which calls for the transformation of 46 hectares of former commercial and industrial land into a new urban district in Cologne, featuring a mix of residential, retail, office, cultural, and social facilities. Due to its central location and cultural history as an industrial and commercial hub, “Mülheimer Süden” holds special significance for the city and the surrounding area. The wvm Group Cologne is developing three construction sites on the property—and, through its design, is creating an architectural landmark on the right bank of the Rhine in Cologne-Mülheim.
Revitalization of the Lindgens Site: Urban Life, Living, and Working
The currently vacant site was once the location of the company Lindgens & Söhne, founded in 1851. For its project development, a wholly owned subsidiary of wvm Immobilien is acquiring an 11,800 m² portion of the Lindgens & Söhne property. The construction site borders Deutz-Mülheimer-Straße and the Rheinboulevard. In the coming years, the area is set to be revitalized and literally brought back to life. On its three construction lots, wvm is planning a space that invites people to live, work, and gather through a diverse range of amenities.
Construction sites 1 and 3 feature diverse architectural designs and are equipped with sustainable mobility concepts. The concept includes car- and bike-sharing services, e-mobility, and an expanded public transportation network. A total of 295 residential units and 5 commercial units will be built on these two construction sites. More than 10 percent of the completed apartments are affordable housing. On development site 4, the goal is to construct a sustainable building with DGNB Gold certification that will accommodate 2 to 7 commercial units across 3,490 m² of commercial space.
Erika Werres, Managing Director of the wvm Group Cologne, explains the project’s objectives: “An urban development project like the Lindgens site is not just about carrying out a construction project, but also about creating a new center for the people who will live and work here. The focus is also on social aspects and the creation of vibrant public spaces.”
The Mill Tower as a Landmark in a Historic Setting
The unique character of the Lindgens site is to be preserved by integrating the existing industrial architectural heritage. As a result, the structural integrity of the most distinctive buildings—including two historic landmarks—will be maintained. The new 20-story Mühlenturm will serve as a landmark and entrance to the neighborhood—and thus, according to the investor, become a new icon of the Schäl Sick district. Its name pays homage to the neighborhood’s pre-industrial history, when numerous mills operated on the site and people settled in the area. The Mühlenturm is thus not only an architectural attraction but also an important part of the neighborhood’s history, according to the wvm Group.
Visually, the building will blend in very harmoniously with its understated clinker brick architecture. The site will be connected to the neighboring Otto-Langen Quarter via a central city square.
Hanno Kreuder, a partner at the commissioned planning firm trint + kreuder d.n.a., emphasizes the holistic approach: “It was very important to us to preserve the site’s historical heritage with its diverse building types. At the same time, we wanted to enable a contemporary and sustainable use of the space. The design creates a distinctive whole that offers plenty of atmosphere and aesthetic appeal.”
Dialogue with the City of Cologne and Residents
On April 25, 2023, the City of Cologne will present the current status of the planning directly on-site at the Lindgens site during a public meeting. All interested residents from Cologne and the surrounding area are invited to learn more and ask in-depth questions. The next step will involve the formal public disclosure of the plans and the acceptance of objections and comments. If the zoning resolution and building permit are approved promptly, construction could begin as early as 2024 in two phases. Completion of the entire Lindgens site project is targeted for 2027.
Erika Werres is looking forward to the project’s realization: “Together with the City of Cologne, we are committed to creating a vibrant and inspiring new development area. Our goal is not only to create residential and commercial space, but also a place for people to come together and foster a sense of community. We want to foster a vibrant and diverse community that enriches life in Cologne and is, in turn, enriched by it. We are committed and are working in close collaboration with all stakeholders to make this dream a reality and shape the future of our city.”
Erika Werres
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