Following the transformation of the former Kaufhof department store in Gießen city centre, the new tenants are now able to move into the commercial building, which has been renamed "Katharinen-Karree". In 2012, the new owner, the ROSCO Group, announced a programme of renovation designed to transform the commercial building by embracing a modern and sustainable concept.
The architectural practice aic Architekten und Ingenieur-Consult GmbH from Mühlhausen was responsible for implementing this concept. When it came to reconfiguring the facade, the planners decided to use Hering architectural concrete. The old facade was completely removed so that it could be replaced with white precast concrete components with a blasted surface which frame the large display windows. At the end of last year, the transformation had progressed sufficiently well that it was possible to install the precast parts, which are up to 15 m², by crane. The internal area was gutted and the space was reapportioned in order to offer space for several tenants in "Katharinen-Karree".
The two largest tenants, two clothing stores, opened their branches back in the spring. Other tenants, including a drug store, will follow in the coming months. The municipal theatre has also found a new location on the third floor of the commercial building for rehearsal stages as well as offices, a joinery workshop, laundry and equipment store.
