All set for the conversion of Carsch-Haus, formerly a Kaufhof Department Store, to the new store under the KaDeWe brand. Project development, entrusted to the Signa Group with architect David Chipperfield, is also go hand-in-hand with the renovation of Heinrich-Heine-Platz.

Marco Keller, branch manager of Signa Real Estate in Düsseldorf added: "The comprehensive renovation of the historic department store will not only create an attractive shopping experience in the Carsch-Haus itself. At the same time Heinrich-Heine-Platz, one of the most important squares in the state capital, is being redesigned to take account of the wishes of Düsseldorf's urban community and create a high level of quality of stay. New tree plantings and seating invite people to linger, while pedestrians and cyclists are given significantly more space."

The existing roof of the Carsch-Haus opened in April 2023, the construction of the spacious atrium will begin in July 2023, and work on the surface of the square is scheduled to start in March 2024. Completion of the overall project is scheduled for the end of 2024, with the opening of the KaDeWe Group's fourth department store in early 2025.

Atrium on Heinrich-Heine-Platz leads into the Department Store. According to the design of the renowned architectural firm David Chipperfield Architects, an atrium will be built on the square, which in the future will serve as the new main entrance to the base element of the Carsch building and connect the upper level of the square with the underground sales areas. The opening of the square with the atrium, over which a generously curved flight of steps leads to the lower level, is to become an integral part of the newly designed Heinrich-Heine-Platz.

"Our concept is to see Heinrich-Heine-Platz with the Carsch-Haus as a unit and to tie the entire ensemble together coherently. The square with the atrium will thus be experienced as a whole and generously playable," said Markus Bauer, Associate at David Chipperfield Architects. As a central, vital place in Düsseldorf's inner-city fabric, Heinrich-Heine-Platz can once again assume a role in Düsseldorf's social life that is appropriate to it."

The Carsch-Haus in Düsseldorf is the fourth department store of the KaDeWe Group in Germany, which includes the KaDeWe in Berlin, the Alsterhaus in Hamburg and the Oberpollinger in Munich, and covers an area of approx. 10,000 m² and a total of seven floors. In the future, the sales areas of the Carsch-Haus will be located on the lower ground floor of the Carsch-Haus, which extends from the basement under Heinrich-Heine-Platz to the subway, on the ground floor as well as on four floors above ground. On the fifth floor, the focus will be on culinary delights and recreation, with a restaurant/café and lounge area with a roof terrace.

"With the curated variety of brands from the areas of fashion, accessories, cosmetics and food, which is unique in Germany, as well as a wide range of services, a new destination is being created in Düsseldorf," commented André Maeder, ceo of The KaDeWe Group. "We are constantly combining the new and the established, the luxurious and the progressive, and the local spirit and the connection to Düsseldorf and its residents is very important to us. The Carsch-Haus will be a new, inspiring world of experience for the Düsseldorf metropolitan region, as well as the world's most digital department store."

Photo: Carsch-Haus in Düsseldorf. Bild: Signa Real Estate