From financial administration to a vibrant mixed-use concept: The refurbishment of the Kämmerei in Düsseldorf

A piece of city history is being rewritten in the heart of Düsseldorf's old town: the listed Kämmerei building – once the seat of the city's financial administration – has been comprehensively revitalised under the direction of project developer Art-Invest Real Estate and the Construction Solutions Unit of umdasch The Store Makers as general contractor for the interior work. The result is a forward-looking mixed-use building that goes beyond classic shopping centre or office structures.

Covering more than 9,000 square metres in the heart of Düsseldorf, a multi-layered utilisation concept has been created that combines office, retail, restaurant and event under one roof. At the centre is an open, lively ground floor with direct access to public spaces and a revitalised atrium that serves as a multifunctional event space. Where municipal administrative files were once stored, urban life now pulsates – without losing the historic character of the building.

Sophisticated interior construction in a listed building

umdasch The Store Makers was responsible for the high-quality interior works of the Kämmerei with its Construction Solutions business unit. The comprehensive service package included drywall construction, painting and flooring work, the installation of glass partition walls, ceiling and door systems, as well as tiling, natural stone and metal construction work. umdasch also took care of the construction site setup and coordination for these trades, with logistics proving particularly challenging due to the location in the heart of Düsseldorf's city centre. 

Another challenge was integrating modern construction technology into the listed structure, for example by preserving historic railings, existing natural stone elements and the striking shop windows on the ground floor. Creating such unique spaces that harmonise historical elements with the present requires special experience, flexibility and a great deal of sensitivity – requirements that the Construction Solutions team at umdasch The Store Makers met in full.

Mixed use as a model for the future

The Kämmerei is a showcase project for the conversion of existing properties – a topic that is becoming increasingly important in view of growing resource scarcity. "Instead of demolishing and rebuilding, we revitalise high-quality existing buildings such as the Kämmerei in a sustainable and needs-based manner," says Marco Gösling, Managing Director Construction Solutions at umdasch The Store Makers. "We are delighted to have been able to help shape this special place – as a contribution to revitalising the city centre and intelligently connecting the past and the future."