(Essen) 7 May 2012. The site of the former, once-unremarkable Hertie department store is taking on a new look as construction of the office and commercial building progresses. The structural shell was completed in recent days. Interior fit-out and façade work are now beginning.

Work on the new car park is also starting these days. Parking-constrained Rüttenscheid will soon gain around 270 spaces.

In a prime urban location at the heart of Essen-Rüttenscheid, one of North Rhine-Westphalia’s most popular district centres, KÖLBL KRUSE and Brockhoff are developing a distinctive new building. The monotonous department-store façade is gone. The design now features varied façades inspired by the district’s historic character, with sandstone lending the project an elegant appearance.

KÖLBL KRUSE and Brockhoff see Rüttenscheid as one of Essen’s most attractive office locations. Together with the City of Essen, they prepared a new development plan for the building. The plans received a very positive public response after they were announced by the city administration. Once construction is complete, Rüttenscheider Stern will be one of the district’s main retail destinations, supported by an attractive tenant mix, convenient parking and the appealing interior and exterior architecture of the new complex.

The entire property and the car park are scheduled for completion by the end of 2012.

Well-known retailers and companies are keen to be part of the project. More than 3,000 m² has already been leased. One of the developers, KÖLBL KRUSE, is so confident in the property that it will move its head office there. The lower floors are designated for retail, while the upper six floors will contain modern offices and medical practices. Units ranging from 230 to 960 m² are still available.