Speicherstadt: former free port office building looking for a new tenant

The former Freihafenamt at Bei St. Annen 2 was one of the first buildings in the Speicherstadt historical warehouse district to be reconstructed after the war. It was restored under the supervision of architect Walter Kallmorgen. The building offers around 3,000 m² of space over seven floors and therefore plenty of room for traditional office use, or other concepts.

One special feature is the original, fully functioning paternoster lift. It is a unique historical feature because paternosters of this kind have not been built since 1974. Another architectural feature awaits behind the foyer: an inner atrium that extends the height of all seven storeys and is topped with a glass dome. The building was modernised in 2014 by Hamburg architect Sybille Kramer. She drew on the colour palette and design of the 1950s and supplemented it with modern elements. HHLA is currently restoring the building’s windows. All restoration work is due for completion by the end of 2023.

The project is managed by architect Paulos Dimetros, who particularly appreciates the architectural concept: “The building is full of contrasts that all complement one another: the new-build draws on the aesthetic of the historic building, the angular cube meets elegant curves, while black and white contrast with one another and the solid brickwork is broken up by the delicate glass atrium.”

Sandra Horenburg, expert from HHLA’s Real Estate Sales department, adds: “Werner Kallmorgen created a building that is still relevant even 70 years after it was constructed. It speaks a clear, efficient language and exudes prestige. The premier address, right behind the ‘Kornhausbrücke’ bridge, is just as unique. The building is located on the axis between the Alster and the Elbe, between the Old Town and the sparkling HafenCity. Because it is still seeking its future tenants, we are looking forward to reviewing new and exciting usage concepts.”

As part of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG, HHLA Real Estate is responsible for building management and district development. Founded in 1885 for the construction of Hamburg’s Speicherstadt historical warehouse district, HHLA manages the historically unique collection of clinker-brick buildings through its Real Estate segment. It has also expanded its portfolio to include the Hamburg Fish Market and a number of commercial and logistics properties around the port. The focus in the Speicherstadt is on careful structural change and the sustainable further development of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. HHLA’s intelligent management of the Speicherstadt has transformed it from what was once the biggest warehouse complex in the world into a vibrant urban district.

Further information can be found at www.hhla.de/en/speicherstadt