Transformation is happening throughout Düsseldorf's Central Station district. The new real estate quarter on Harkortstraße is a prime example: three hotel buildings representing the international brands Adina Apartment Hotel, Hampton by Hilton, and Premier Inn now stand on the 17,000 m² site—formerly home to the railway's central car loading facility. Developed by GBI Projektentwicklung and designed by greeen! architects, this 32,000 m² complex with 717 hotel rooms ranks among Germany's largest hotel projects today.

The Düsseldorf architects clinched the urban design competition in 2016 with a vision that impressed the jury: revitalizing this central location while breathing new life into the adjacent Mintropplatz and Konrad-Adenauer-Platz. Three eight-storey buildings with red brick façades echo the station's architectural heritage, while a dynamically flowing aluminum band—in subtle brass tones—weaves them together in striking contrast. The expansive glazed ground floors open onto a new public passage connecting both plazas, creating genuine street vitality. Toward the station, the complex steps down to two storeys, housing a generous steakhouse spanning 520 m² alongside hotel dining terraces—together establishing a truly animated urban space. An underground garage with 238 spaces (shared by guests and the public) keeps the pedestrian- and cycle-only Harkortstraße quiet and safe. Notably, the development process included meaningful community engagement: the "Die sieben Zwerge" daycare center was preserved on-site. This real estate quarter represents a crucial first phase in reimagining the entire station forecourt.

www.greeenarchitects.eu

Photography Credits:

Andreas Hagemann

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 03|22)