Cornerstone Ceremony for the 1&1 Office Complex in Karlsruhe

The cornerstone ceremony for the 1&1 office complex immediately behind Karlsruhe central station took place on April 10, 2018. The 145-million euro project consists of two units arranged symmetrically with the station forecourt.

Each unit is formed by a 12-story high-rise and a wing of up to 7 stories. The footprint of one unit is approx. 120 m x 49.50 m. The high-rise footprint is approx. 13.50 m x 49.50 m.

This office complex will secure the so-called “tenderloin” in Karlsruhe, which will decisively shape the image of the city. In addition, this construction project will be the initial spark for further projects in the area south of the central station and make a significant contribution two urban development. Mayor Dr. Mentrup emphasized these points in his speech.

This large project will be built at a fast pace. Major investor Ralf Dommermuth purchased the site in the summer of 2017. At the end of 2017, the city issued the building permit in record time so initial construction work could begin as soon as January 2018. Completion of the shell is scheduled for spring 2019 and the entire office complex should be ready for occupancy in mid-2020.

According to construction company DIRINGER & SCHEIDEL, the number of cranes has been increased to a total of ten in order to erect both units in tandem at the scheduled fast pace. Due to immediate proximity of Karlsruhe central station, the concerns of the railroad company must be taken into consideration in the execution of this construction project.

Dr. Ioannis Retzepis, managing partner of our Karlsruhe office, is the inspection engineer for this construction project. With his wide recognition as an inspector in railroad construction, the con-cerns of the railroad company will also be taken into consideration in the course of construction inspection.