Henning Larsen Architects emerged as the winner of the competition for the design of the new high-rise building at the historic Kaiser Square in Frankfurt am Main. As the investors Commerz Real and Tishman Speyer reported, the internationally active architectural firm, headquartered in Copenhagen, was able to compete against nine competitors from Germany, France, the Netherlands and Norway. “The designs by Henning Larsen Architects have not only impressed the jury with their iconic impact,” says Florian Reiff, Managing Director of Tishman Speyer. “They also ensure that the new building harmonises well with the cityscape from history and skyline.” 

The background for this project is the 2024 high-rise development plan of the city of Frankfurt am Main and the city’s idea of developing a high-rise promenade between the Alt Oper and Willy Brandt Platz. Town council member Marcus Gwechenberger, a discerning expert for planning and housing, sees this draft confirming the urban development objectives of the high-rise development plan: "With the design by Henning Larsen Architects, the first high-rise building developed according to the new high-rise development plan is being built in Frankfurt.

The building opens up to the neighbourhood with its various offers. It will make an important contribution to bringing the new high-rise promenade at the wall to life." The planned new high-rise building is intended to carefully integrate the historic building ensemble between Kaiserstraße 28 and Neue Mainzer Straße 31 and combine it with modern, future-oriented architecture. With a height of 195 metres, it will add a distinctive highlight to the Frankfurt skyline, shaping the cityscape and offering space for diverse uses, including offices, hotel and commercial spaces, including public cultural offerings. An important element is therefore the opening of the listed building Kaiserstraße 30 towards the wall and the establishment of a cultural mile by continuing the high-rise promenade along the wall.

The competition was launched in October 2024 following the successful completion of citizen participation. They were looking for a solution that convinced in terms of architecture and urban planning as well as functionality, sustainability and cost-effectiveness. According to the specification of the high-rise master plan based on a plan by the architectural firm Albert Speer und Partner, all the designs were based on a high-rise building, which only rests on a modernised plinth with a historic facade with a narrow connection. The 15-member jury consisted of renowned architects and urban planners as well as representatives of the city of Frankfurt am Main and Commerz Real and Tishman Speyer. It was advised by 13 experts from the areas of heritage conservation, urban and landscape planning, building technology and the environment. The first three places were awarded with prize money worth EUR 70,000, 45,000 and 25,000.

According to the investors, the next step is now the installation decision as part of the development plan procedure. After the successful completion of the planning process and receipt of the building permit, the demolition and construction activities would begin.