Save the Department Store!
Why we must not let the 'old blocks' die.
Save the Department Store!
Why we must not let the 'old blocks' die.
Albert Achammer
With the NEW LIFE initiative, we are promoting collaboration within the real estate industry for the revitalization of vacant department stores. The potential of these buildings in German city centers is significant, but the task is complex. With the expertise of our integrated planning network, we are ideally positioned to successfully meet this challenge and call for collaboration from all stakeholders.
The vacancies of formerly flourishing department stores in German city centers are an increasing negative phenomenon of our time: Economic life is continuously shifting further into the virtual world, and large spaces in city centers remain vacant and unutilized. This development poses a threat to the urban structure – that's why we founded NEW LIFE two years ago.
This initiative delves deeply into the future of cities and the revitalization of old department store properties. The goal is to persuade municipalities and investors of the advantages of repurposing instead of demolition. Through the collaboration and networking of professionals from various sectors of the construction industry, innovative solutions are to be developed that promote both economic and ecological sustainability. ATP analyzes the great potential inherent in the old department stores from the perspectives of economics, branding, architecture, and sustainability in a whitepaper.
Interdisciplinary Network
And this initiative for the reuse of old department stores strikes a chord with the industry. There is an awareness of the urgency to counteract the decline of department stores and revive city centers. However, only through cooperation and an interdisciplinary approach can well-thought-out reuse concepts be developed and bring people back to the city center. This belief is shared not only by us at ATP. Numerous big players in the real estate industry such as bulwiengesa, Tishman Speyer, PwC, or ECE are following our invitation to discuss the issue and possible solutions in roundtable discussions. With the CITY SAVERS, who bring together a network of over 1,300 municipalities, companies, associations, and institutions, a fruitful cooperation has even emerged.
For the best solution, it takes everyone involved, all perspectives. With over 45 years of successful Integrated Design, we believe in interdisciplinary collaboration and consider ourselves at ATP well-equipped to bring old blocks back to life.
Properties with Potential
Reviving properties in prime locations of a city? - That must be possible and sounds like a beautiful task. Above all, it is also a great opportunity for investors, operators, end-users, and the public to completely rethink these buildings. A successful upgrade and redesign thus bring tremendous added value to the city. With our expertise as a leading European office for Integrated Design with BIM, we are familiar with complex challenges such as the revitalization of existing buildings with large volumes. The goal is to transform the existing structures into modern, sustainable usage concepts and find the best solution for each property and its city.
A clever mix of attractive and profitable use is crucial. Such central properties are meant to 'shine' and act as a magnet for the entire city.
Integrated Cooperation
Therefore, "getting from talking to action" is our call. And we have seen that all actors are willing to actively address the revitalization of department stores. We will further expand our integrated network and promote cross-company collaborations to bring buildings, and thereby city centers, back to life with the best, most sustainable solutions.
