UPDATE SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2008: TOWER 185

the design of the tower has been changed slightly: 5 floors have been added to the cylindrical glas clad top, which increased the height of the tower to approx. 200m

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/7753/ttxq2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/8669/tttaf2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)



UPDATE MAY 30TH, 2008: TOWER 185

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/6485/viv1ql5.jpg
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/5223/viv2ro4.jpg
http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/9467/viv8jy9.jpg
http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/8959/viv5rw6.jpg
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/3505/viv4ts6.jpg http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/3841/viv3wh6.jpg
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/8848/vii6ee6.jpg
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/204/vii5ti8.jpg
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/6123/vii4lb3.jpg
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7773/vii3fr7.jpg
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/5471/vii2rg6.jpg http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/6518/vii1gb4.jpg



Frankfurt, May 30, 2008. Vivico is responsible for one of Frankfurt's new multi-storey office blocks - Tower 185 - in the Europaviertel. The auditing company PricewaterhouseCoopers AG (PwC) is letting around 60,000 sqm in Tower 185 for its new Frankfurt headquarters. A contract has already been signed.

Tower 185, which is to be located on the street Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage, includes a total of 116,000 sqm (around 1,250,000 square feet) of gross floor space. By renting out part of Tower 185 to PwC, Vivico has concluded the largest contract in the Frankfurt office market in recent years.

At a press conference at which both Vivico and PwC were represented, Edwin Schwarz, head of the planning department, emphasized its significance for the city: "The Europaviertel is one of the largest urban development projects in the whole of Germany and the most important development area in Frankfurt. That's why I'm particularly pleased that, with Tower 185, an additional project will be carried out at the entrance to Europaviertel between Messe (trade fair venue) and Bankenviertel (financial district). This project is a significant step in the development of the new city district. I would like to thank both the investor Vivico and the tenant PwC for their faith in Frankfurt as a skyscraper location.

Hans Wagener, spokesman for the Board of Directors of PWC, about the move of the company's headquarters: "Due to our continuous growth, the number of people we employ in Frankfurt has increased to over 2,600, meaning that we had to rent three buildings in Mertonviertel. We will be able to reunite our Frankfurt team under one roof on Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage. Its proximity to the main railway station and its convenient transport links is an important plus factor for many of our employees. Overall, the move is a clear sign of our faith in Frankfurt as a business location."

Bernhard H. Hansen, CEO of Vivico, explained that the dynamic development of the entire Europaviertel will be continued: "We are already able to speak of a real success story: With Tower 185 we are now building the first skyscraper in the Europaviertel. We are particularly pleased to be able to welcome PwC as a tenant. Such a client proves that Frankfurt is an international business location and speaks for the growing reputation of the Europaviertel."

The address of Tower 185 is Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage 35-37. The building also stands on Hohenstaufenstrasse and Osloer Strasse. The banking district and the main railway station are within walking distance, and connections to public transport and the airport are outstanding. Tower 185 marks the entrance to the Europa*viertel and is located next to the Skyline Plaza, the planned shopping and events centre. The tower owes its name to its height of 185 metres (approx 606 feet). Tower 185 consists of a horse-shoe-shaped plinth building with a natural stone façade. Two multi-storey sections with an aluminium and glass façade arise from this; they surround a glazed middle section. Together they form the actual tower.

The building has a total of approx. 116,000 sqm of gross floor space above ground. PwC is renting out over 60,000 sqm of this for its Frankfurt headquarters. The international estate agents Knight Frank provided advice with the conclusion of the contract. In the six-storey plinth building there will be a canteen for employees of PwC as well as offices and the conference centre. A central urban entrance square leads into a six-storey foyer and so connects Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage with the Europaviertel.

More than 1,200 sqm of retail space and restaurants on the ground floor of the plinth building will invite lingering and will enable people to experience the overall atmosphere of Tower 185. In the upper floors of the 50 storey tower, there will be prestigious board, communication and conference rooms with a unique view of the skyline of Frankfurt. The tower contains a two-storey underground car park with around 550 parking places.

The architecture was designed by the Frankfurt architect Professor Christoph Mäckler. His design was chosen within the framework of a competitive multiple commission. The form of Mäckler's idea stems from rematerialised modernity; it stands for both timeless elegance and the sustainable use of resources that are becoming scarce.

Vivico will bear responsibility for Tower 185 until the keys are handed over. The building application will be submitted in spring 2008. Work will begin on preparing the land in August, in order that excavation work can begin in autumn 2008. The plinth building should be finished in autumn 2010, the tower itself at the end of 2011. Work has begun on marketing the remaining 30,000 sqm of office space in Tower 185.


source: VIVICO REAL ESTATE




original text:

The new boom continues: surprising new project revealed

The developer VIVICO revealed plans for a 185m tall tower near the MesseTurm and just across the street from FRANKFURT | UEC | 212m | 52 fl | 160m | 40 fl | App (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=480449) from the same developer, which also will start in 2008.

The project contains a 75,000 sq m (807,293 sq ft) tower and a 35,000 sq m (376,737 sq ft) lowrise building.
The anchor tenant is PricewaterhouseCoopers who signed a lease for 65,000 sq m (700,000 sq ft) of office space. Construction is due to start in 2008, end in 2010.
The construction site has been cleared a few weeks ago. A rendering has not been published yet.

With this project Frankfurt could have approx. 6 new 150m+ (500ft+) towers u/c by the end of 2008. This number could change though - analysts expect more surprising new projects.

The rendering from VIVICO shows the location of the project in relation to the MesseTurm and the UEC Towers. The orange site has been cleared by now.

http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/116/pwcvivicohx7.jpg

wonderful, frankfurt is booming :)!!

Fantastic news! :okay:

And it is one of the projects nobody really had on its bill, also not PWC. They had to catch up in terms of a representative and attractive location with KPMG, which are moving into the AirRail Center being developed at the airport, and Ernest &Young which just moved into a newly built location one year ago.

The newspaper article (http://www.faz.net/s/RubFAE83B7DDEFD4F2882ED5B3C15AC43E2/Doc~E249A2BAF8F064D00AC808A4E492BF65F~ATpl~Ecommon~Scontent.html) also mentions that the plans for UEC Tower 1 are quite far in the meanwhile.

For sure this is not the last announcment for this year. I would bet on more than only one on top. The demand of high quality office(!) space, especially in scyscrapers, is huge. Real estate analysts were mentioned a figure of up to 300.000 sqm actually missing on market. Everything else, like UEC Tower 2 which will be hotel, or the WinX Tower when getting approved is not included. :):)

I just can't wait for the first renderings :)

Maybe we will get a double tower as seen in here?
http://www.deutsches-architektur-forum.de/forum/showpost.php?p=116991&postcount=42

Great news!! :banana:

Great!

Finally the Europaviertel is developing rapidly with the UEC shopping mall and the new towers.

would be awesome.

surprising news :)
I am sure as well that there are more projects to be announced soon.
Can't wait for the rendering, ABB designed something a few years ago, who knows...

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/9066/143622tj9.jpg

One thing I definitely love of Frankfurt is the perfect order in which these highrises have been built and are under construction. Not a fast, crappy boom as Dubai, but a logical and good looking development. love it really!

Superb! Great news for Frankfurt.
Franfurt strikes back in the "competition" with rotterdam, paris, (london). Great!

Looks like a good project.

surprising news :)
I am sure as well that there are more projects to be announced soon.
Can't wait for the rendering, ABB designed something a few years ago, who knows...

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/9066/143622tj9.jpg

Just hope they dont demolish the church. Would be a nice contrast with the glass tower.

Amazing news, Frankfurt strikes back! I love nearly all the projects at the moment so will have to come see them in a few years!

Amazing news! :cheers:

Just hope they dont demolish the church. Would be a nice contrast with the glass tower.

the church is scheduled for disposition to make place for another planned skyscraper since about 7years for now.. although in the last months some architects talked about the possibility to retain the church and use it as entrance for the skyscraper.. (sounds sort of crazy to me.. :nuts: )

wow nice tower :cheers:

Frankfurts new Boom will give the skyline a new look.
Here how it could look like in a few years (all in frankfurt calculate that there are more! projects upcoming, so finally there will be more new towers).

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/3349/97791092neuum1.jpg

Photographer: Moritz Sirowatka

Thie might! be the tower, of course its just a study of last year, but who knows :D

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/3249/hhfeaffm1bb7.jpg

Sidecuts:

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/1232/hhfeaffm2po0.jpg

pictures: Architekten Theiss Planungsgesellschaft

interesting project. who would have thought ...

this means this will definately not be the site of the new 200m bahn tower though.

the study looks pretty inimaginative though. hope this is not the final design.

and it looks tiny compared to the proposed millennium tower next door.

who would have thought frankfurt would have so many new 150m+ towers u/c next year.

This is the Turm 185 project, isn't it? If so, this new tower may have at least 45 floors.

Yes it is, and 45 floors at least sound reasonable at a net height of 185 meters.

Thanks for the simulation, fvgffm, just imagine what it would look like if Tower 1 or FraSpa or even both would be also built. It would bet on one of them starting by next year.

Regarding the above rendering it reminds me too much the Selmi Hochhaus after recladding (starting soon).

http://foto.arcor-online.net/palb/alben/64/136464/3133613338646431.jpg

I would have preferred something like the twin tower solution out of the vivico master plan from 2004. Two so simular buildings so close to each other without really being in context... but let's see, on the other hand this scenario could have its appeal, I'm not too sure in the moment.

http://foto.arcor-online.net/palb/alben/64/136464/3364653461366436.jpg
sources: Schmittchen@daf, vivico real estate

are the twin towers connected to each other somehow? or are they totally indepenedent?

they look like totally independant...

I didn't know where to put this but I've got a friend who lives in Frankfurt who has some connections in the planning group of the local authority and he says word from them is that there is about 15 towers in the pipeline that are around 300 metres tall! :yes:

Probably he meant 300 feet, then it works ;)

We would be happy to have at least one with 300+ soon in place. :)

he probably meant 15 towers with up to 300m - the number is actually higher, but there is only one project that could reach the height - unless there will be a surprising new proposal, which everybody is expecting.

Frankfurt was really slowing down with (great)projects the last year, but this is amazing! Really nice to see so many plans unfolding for Frankfurt. :cheers:

he probably meant 15 towers with up to 300m - the number is actually higher, but there is only one project that could reach the height - unless there will be a surprising new proposal, which everybody is expecting.

Well his English isn't the best so you're probably right. Anyway, it's good to see my second favourite city pumping out the proposals here! :happy:

:lol: frankfurt is a good booming city..i think its one of the most booming skyscrapercity in europe and in germany anyway..
in germany nothing happens with other cities with skyscrapers :-(
only the commie blocks in berlin :lol:

kmuffi, please prepare (or better - rather avoid it) to write in English... It sounds merely horrible.

As for the proposed PWC-Tower: I would like to see something more fresh this time, it could improve Frankfurt's townscape a lot at this place. Of course the Frankfurt-typical 'classic' structures are considered to be more timeless, but the city needs a new impact of design in the future in order to invent itself even more modern - so I still hope for a striking innovative design, like times earlier with the crowned DZ-Bank or the Commerzbank ;)

kmuffi, please prepare (or better - rather avoid it) to write in English... It sounds merely horrible.

As for the proposed PWC-Tower: I would like to see something more fresh this time, it could improve Frankfurt's townscape a lot at this place. Of course the Frankfurt-typical 'classic' structures are considered to be more timeless, but the city needs a new impact of design in the future in order to invent itself even more modern - so I still hope for a striking innovative design, like times earlier with the crowned DZ-Bank or the Commerzbank ;)

i hope that in FFM, there will be never such organic architecture project like that 300m tower for Paris, cheesy building near CTBA in Madrid or Kaplický library in Prague.

why not. one organic tower would't hurt.

Frankfurt is doing well!

Regarding the above rendering it reminds me too much the Selmi Hochhaus after recladding (starting soon).

Since when did City-Haus have plans to undergo a recladding?

As far as I know , City-haus have plans of the recladding since at least a half year , and I think they even have started with the work in october .....

The centre of the financial capital is spread out like black ink. Its goes really fast (all the new towers that are coming out) i think at least 15 to 20 towers planned end u/c.

Planned 15-20 yes, but u/c? 2!! :-(

lets wait and see, pals.

With Parktower and FFHV hotel tower there are actually 4 U/C. New ECB tower, PWC tower and probably the Kaiserkarree project will start within the next months, and probably also some other projects. But let's see... :)

The plans for recladding of the Selmi Hochhaus were unveiled mid of March this year. Preperations started about month ago and since last week they started with work. There are already some samples installed on the back side. On site there show a new rendering. Here (http://www.faz.net/s/RubFAE83B7DDEFD4F2882ED5B3C15AC43E2/Doc~EE6CA0EE2F87D471080B0A4832F8042A5~ATpl~Ecommon~SMed.html) is the previous version from April.

Maybe this is worth to start an own thread for this well known building.

PCW tower will start in the next months? wow, didn't know that the plans are already so far

i think it was an estimate...or do you have sources CY?
i like the new Selmi :D
but they go from one extrem to the next one right?
totally dark---> totally shiny :D

I always liked the dark look of the Selmi highrise.

yes, me too.

selmi had lots of character. also its dark colour added some contrast to the newer scrapers of frankfurt.
that shiny glitzy something they are making of it, isnt anything else than boring, and driving the skyline towards a collection of buildings of all the same colour.
imagine they would do the same to, say, the seagram building, or the hancock tower!

Yes, but Selmi Hochhaus is not Hancock tower. Its just a simple and non iconic office building. However, I do agree, that the black facade added some nice contrast to the skyline.

Let's say, within the next months doesn't imply within the next few months, and this tower will probably start at the long end of this range... :D

But several sources stated that the contract is signed and that this tower will come for sure. If so then there is already a deadline when PWC has to move out their current premises. To keep that deadline they have to start middle/end of next year. That's all about it.

Regarding the Selmi Hochhaus, I will miss the dark facade, too, at least in a certain distance with skyline context. But as there seems to be a quite interesting concept of lightening the stairwairs and the crown by night I am also curious about the result to find end of 2008.

some news:

the architectural competition containg 5 architects has reached a second phase with two designs left

1) christoph maeckler - he designed a skyscraper with a stone facade
2) ingenhoven - the designed skyscraper has a glass facade

final decision will be made end of january

pricewaterhouse coopers apparently signed a long term lease for 65,000 sq m (700,000 sq ft) with an option for further 20,000 sq m (over 200,000 sq ft)

looks like the reports were true and the tower will go ahead in 2008 - the site has been cleared already.

Should have mentioned that before, but according to some serious contacts PWC signed an almost airtight contract with Vivico with only slight uncertainties remaining. Also interesting yet not surprising was the info that Neue Mainzer Str. 57-59 was shortlisted if not even favorized because of its prestigious location. Obviously the package offered by Vivico was more convincing.

Should have mentioned that before, but according to some serious contacts PWC signed an almost airtight contract with Vivico with only slight uncertainties remaining. Also interesting yet not surprising was the info that Neue Mainzer Str. 57-59 was shortlisted if not even favorized because of its prestigious location. Obviously the package offered by Vivico was more convincing.

that doesn't sound good :(

why? frankfurt is getting a new skyscraper ... its almost fully rented before construction begins, yet again.

I would have preffered they would have chosen the neue mainzer skyscraper instead, but Im ok with T185 too ...

Damn it, humongously great days at Christmas Time :cucumber::banana::carrot::lock::pepper::banana::cucumber:

Congrats to Frankfurt buddies, let's celebrate!

Damn it, humongously great days at Christmas Time :cucumber::banana::carrot::lock::pepper::banana::cucumber:

Congrats to Frankfurt buddies, let's celebrate!

Yeah :D
:lock::lock::lock::lock::lock::lock:
:lock::cucumber::banana::carrot::pepper::banana::cucumber::lock:
:lock::cucumber::banana::carrot::pepper::banana::cucumber::lock:
:lock::cucumber::banana::carrot::pepper::banana::cucumber::lock:
:lock::cucumber::banana::carrot::pepper::banana::cucumber::lock:
:lock::cucumber::banana::carrot::pepper::banana::cucumber::lock:
:lock::cucumber::banana::carrot::pepper::banana::cucumber::lock:
:lock::cucumber::banana::carrot::pepper::banana::cucumber::lock:
:lock::lock::lock::lock::lock::lock:

guys, i think i didn't get the point :ohno:

will the PWC be built for sure now aswell and what happened to the "Neue Mainzer Strasse 55 - 57"?

thx in advance ^^

The architectural competition is going to be continued, the final decision about the design will be made in January 08. PWC signed a contract to rent bull-loads of space there. So everything looks like they're going to build the tower (185) next year.

And this proposed tower had been prefered about the "Neue Mainzer". It still can be build thou, but PWC will apparently move into the Tower185.

Capiche?

i hope they'll choose the design with the stone-facade

i hope they'll choose the design with the stone-facade


Totally agree, Frankfurt has enough glass, its time for stone !!:banana:

Are good renders for both renders avaible?
If yes can anybody give a link or post them?

Sorry. There are no renders available at the moment. We're all can't wait to see them.

Capiche?

lol yes, thx erbsy :lol:

i hope they'll choose the design with the stone-facade

some of the old red sandstone facade of the demolished building on that site is going to be used for the new project.

apparently maeckler architects have given the project a working name - 'joselito' - as a symbol for perfection, elegance and technique.

I don't know if it means that maeckler has won the competition. but in that case we should expect a stone facade.

that would be great :)

A well known German real estate magazin "Immobilien-Zeitung" mentioned last Thursday in an article about the "Europaviertel" that this tower will start construction also this year. :nuts:

nice building

According to the print version of FAZ newspaper decission has been made (not surprisingly) for the design of Christoph Mäckler. Construction start will be right at the beginning of 2009. The towers base will have a distinctive stone facade. The design will be presented beginning of March. :cheers:

so the rumours were true. although I like the opernturm I hope it won't be a copy of it ..

so the rumours were true. although I like the opernturm I hope it won't be a copy of it ..

don't think so :)

Great news. Can't wait to see the first renderings.

yeah, i can`t understand why they are waiting another month to present this project... I WANT TO SEE RENDERS - NOW :banana:

Maybe they want to present it together with the rest of UEC project, which is almost save now. In the meanwhile the city seems to accept the current plans (in terms of retail space - therefore the project at Honselldreieick will get less). Parking space for PwC tower will be placed in the UEC.

Guess they want to have a big show... PwC Tower, Grand Hyatt Tower plus UEC! :D

Maybe they want to present it together with the rest of UEC project, which is almost save now. In the meanwhile the city seems to accept the current plans (in terms of retail space - therefore the project at Honselldreieick will get less). Parking space for PwC tower will be placed in the UEC.

Guess they want to have a big show... PwC Tower, Grand Hyatt Tower plus UEC! :D

and the office tower?

and the office tower?

if u rent at least half of it, i`m sure they`ll gonna build it, too :lol::banana::lol:

The office tower will come too, probably sooner than later. For quite some reasons (logistic aspects, etc.) it does not really make sense, not to build it at the same time or even to start it after completion of the rest. I wouldn't be surprised if there will be another announcement when the rest is on the way. This location will become much more attractive once the whole project has seen the official go ahead. Another fact is that there is only one project on a speculative base ongoing, the Kaiserkarree. This is not enough to satisfy the actual demand...

So, let's keep fingers crossed :):)

totally agree CYstillFI :)

imagine if the whole UEC with Tower 1 + 2 + PWC is under construction. incredible ... pull them baby! <3

The office tower will come too, probably sooner than later.

Another office tower would be exciting, but I'd be even more excited if the marketed Fraspa Tower (close to the Alte Oper) were built instead. By this I mean that both projects may be competing for similar tenants, Postbank or Deloitte for example. There simply are not that many finance/consulting/legal companies left that aren't represented or need more office space in Frankfurt, especially with a global market turndown.

nice building

Nice? I think it will be wonderful! Just wait :)

Another office tower would be exciting, but I'd be even more excited if the marketed Fraspa Tower (close to the Alte Oper) were built instead. By this I mean that both projects may be competing for similar tenants, Postbank or Deloitte for example. There simply are not that many finance/consulting/legal companies left that aren't represented or need more office space in Frankfurt, especially with a global market turndown.

the demand is huge and there is a list of companies that want to consolidate their offices spread across the city to one location.

Exactly, HD.

You just have to look at PwC. They do already have their offices within Frankfurt and do not move to this tower, because the current office is getting too small. It is just a question of residing at a prestigious location. As such this skyscraper was choosen.

the demand is huge and there is a list of companies that want to consolidate their offices spread across the city to one location.

While I agree that presitigous locations are in demand (Degussa, Kaiserkarree, Opernturm), don't forget that many managers are are now under increased pressure to cut costs. Deutsche Börse is leaving Frankfurt along with its 2,500 employees to move to the outskirts thereby saving lots of tax money.

Also, the state of Hesse is now facing the prospect of a far-left government (meaning the former Communist party, the Linke, will govern along with the Social Democrats and Green Party) that is feeding off an anti-big business mood. What does this mean for economic growth in Frankfurt? A whole lot. The Frankfurt Airport will most likely not be enlarged any time soon, taxes heavily increased and the once balanced budget will be heavily indebted. I predict that businesses will be leaving for or deciding to expand in Munich, Stuttgart, Dusseldorf and Hamburg.

@ Golden Age: This is much too pesimistic. The decission about the airport is not anymore a matter of the state government (and even the socialists and the green party want the enlargement, though with some restrictions). The taxes raised in Frankfurt is also not the business of a future state government and they are the same high as in the other mentioned cities. There is not really a lot, what they can influence from their official agenda. Probably they can abolish the tuition fees, change the school system a bit, stop or delay some coal-fired power plant projects, and instead try (!) to mess up the landscape with wind wheels or what ever. The worst would probably be more speed limits on the highways, which will be removed again after the next change. ;)

I am pretty sure, that we will face new elections soon, as there is no way to govern a state like Hesse in such a constellation of majorities and interests, it looks as it fits, but it doesn't. The people didn't vote for socialists/communists because of their manifesto, they voted against the current premier cause of some of his emphases in his election campaign.

Great for Frankfurt. frankfurt independently has the best skyline in europe :okay:

@ Golden Age: This is much too pesimistic.

I understand the point that you're making, too much pessimism might become a self-fulfilling prophecy. In my opinion, however, given the situation there is little reason to be overly optimistic regarding economic growth in Frankfurt & Hesse.

The decission about the airport is not anymore a matter of the state government (and even the socialists and the green party want the enlargement, though with some restrictions).

The SPD's aim is not to prevent the enlargement but to postpone it in every possible way (for example with night flight restrictions which no other major airport in the world has). If the SPD would create the same amount of blue collar jobs elsewhere in the meantime, I'd be less upset about this.

The taxes raised in Frankfurt is also not the business of a future state government and they are the same high as in the other mentioned cities.

Through the Bundesrat, Ypsilanti can decide on those things federally. The Vermögenssteuer (taxing of business owners) is high on the agenda. Reforming the bogus tax system instead would make more sense to me as this helps everybody equally.

There is not really a lot, what they can influence from their official agenda.

Politicians DO influence our lives. Look at England before and after Thatcher (or the US before and after Regan or Clinton). Koch did an ok job from 1999 to now, simply look at the budget, employment figures or econ growth, but then he's not well liked on a personal level (Al Gore was once viewed this way coincidentally and look where it brought us).

I guess I am more concerned about the signal of a former Communist party governing one of the wealthiest Länder in Germany. This has far-reaching implications because it's never happened before and not simply a little mishap. The Linke are not the Green party!

The people didn't vote for socialists/communists because of their manifesto, they voted against the current premier cause of some of his emphases in his election campaign.

Objection! The people in Lower Saxony voted for the Linke (former Communist party) with 8% just four weeks ago and in Hamburg it will be 9%. In the East German states the Linke is the leading party with 30% beating both the conservatives and social democrats. This a definite sign.

Also, factor in the populist discussions surrounding Nokia, private equity companies (so-called "Locusts") and the German secret police hunting down tax evaders as if they were members of the mafia. There is a definite anti-capitalist wave in Germany and it will hit Hesse and Frankfurt especially bad.

let's enjoy the current boom that will change the skyline significantly until "it" hits us, ok? ;)

the skyline will be changed dramatically, in this little (bad) simulation shown are only 3 of the upcoming projects, PWC Tower, Grand Hyatt Tower and Mattäus Church Tower:

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/6026/zeppelin1192ncc8.jpg

nice, shame towers already under construction aren't in this simulation.

how about a 2008/2009 simulation with all projects for this period ? ;)

maybe UEC 1 will be part of this cycle too ...

^
i am not good enough to makle a simulation with the other towers...sorry
i guess so too, concerning Tower 1 , hehe

in spite of having few buildings those buildings have good desgins

^
i am not good enough to makle a simulation with the other towers...sorry
i guess so too, concerning Tower 1 , hehe


I hope you don't mind that I used your photo/simulation to show the 2008/2009 construction activity (what we know now)

http://img103.imageshack.us/img103/1084/newffmvj8.jpg

I didn't put the palais quartier towers there, because they're mostly hidden behind other towers. also...kaiserkarree is hardly visible, because it is hidden behind towers too ... and again, UEC 1 is also hiding T185 a bit ...

very nice:banana:
but i think ecb is higher and bigger

@ Hd and newfvgffm: :okay:

@ Golden Age: This is probably not the place to discuss this topic, and on top, I am sure that there are not too much points we both will disagree. I see the points you mention, but once again, let's discuss soemwhere else. Pls propose where.... :):):)

looks like preparatory works started (soil testing) ...

we might see some renderings after the MIPIM

i'm very confident with the design

while waiting for pics of the final design (WTF does them take so long? they claimed to present renders at beginning of march..?!?) here are some renders of how the tower WILL NOT look like

http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/6687/t185p1zi0.jpg

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/3421/t185p2ac5.jpg

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/6677/t185p3jo8.jpg

:banana:

what a load of shit

not that bad but i think the real design has to be better :)

not that bad but i think the real design has to be better :)

i hope so

UPDATE MAY 30TH, 2008: first preview of the project from the developer's website (vivico)

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/7540/vivivomg0.jpg


50 storeys, v shaped twin tower ... more details to be presented soon

:applause:, i like it already....looks really cool :)

more pics


http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/7296/v2fa3.jpg
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6963/v3oc9.jpg
http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/1240/v4ud6.jpg
http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/5210/v1ku7.jpg
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/9865/v5yj1.jpg
http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/7710/v6ru0.jpg










construction start: september 2008!

what a load of shit

QFT

the front looks cool but i don't like the rest...

:banana: :banana:

the front looks cool but i don't like the rest...

It is a modest design that fits superb into the place where it is.

Amazing design, very unique!!!

They also left the spot for the millennium tower free, good to see.

together with the grand hyatt tower it will be an super cluster!

Right... This building is ridiculously boring (from the sides) and amazingly ugly (from the front), I can't see how anyone can be happy that that is getting build...

Right... This building is ridiculously boring (from the sides) and amazingly ugly (from the front), I can't see how anyone can be happy that that is getting build...
There is no one rioght or wrong! It is a matter of taste. And let someone be happy with a new 200m-tower if he likes it. If you find it ugly, you have any right to be happy as well: Happy that it won't be built in your city,... ;)

^^ yeah I know there is no right and wrong, don't worry :) But I kinda hopped it was clear that I was just giving my opinion, and not stating a fact. :)

I surely know it was your opinion... ;)

here you can see high-res pictures of the Renderings :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:

http://www.deutsches-architektur-forum.de/forum/showpost.php?p=178395&postcount=141

I just wanted to upload them now! :(
I have them with a resolution with 6.1 MB up to 10.1 MB!!!! :D

then up them!!! :banana:

i like that design and can't wait to see it raise :)

Looks great

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k217/Aviller71/towerx.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k217/Aviller71/towerx2.jpg

These renderings look so realistic, that you may think it is a real tower if you have a rapid eye on it! :eek:
One can even see the houses u/c of the Boulevard. Would have been nice showing the Skyline Plaza that is u/c in the empty space...

Getting real dense down there... :)

Is that huge empty lot that we can see on both pic above the lot 'reserved' for the Millenium Tower; if ever...

Getting real dense down there... :)

Is that huge empty lot that we can see on both pic above the lot 'reserved' for the Millenium Tower; if ever...

Yes, it is the place for the Millennium Tower, and the rest of the Skyline Plaza... ;)
http://img133.imageshack.us/img133/867/skylineplazata6.jpg :cheers

WoW! These pic are wonderful...where they come from?

Amazing! What we don't see on those renderings right now are two more Skyscrapers which are U/C: Opernturm and Palais Quartier
Don't miss the 3D walk through of the tower (http://www.vivico.de/deutsch/Immobilien/Objekte/Europaviertel/Tower_185/Rundgang/index.php#)

WoW! These pic are wonderful...where they come from?

From the architect?

I like the base but the tower itself is really boring. :ohno:

I'm not too sure about the design of this tower..IMO it looks very 70's, almost like International-style...it reminds me of the box towers built in the US in the 70's and i'm not sure if Frankfurt really needs those..the facade IMO should be more like the Skyper facade, or of the new ECB skytower, meaning a blue-glass facade instead of the current one . But still its good that Frankfurt is building more skyscrapers again and i'm confident that more are to come, including the Millenium Tower and Skyline plaza 1

I'm not too sure about the design of this tower..IMO it looks very 70's, almost like International-style...

Thats what I thought aswell, but thats actually the thing that I like about the tower.

We don't need another glass facade in Frankfurt. Those are really dull.

They can be downloaded from Vivico's website, where you find many more pictures!
The pic just above your post is an animation that I made... ;)

Cool! Thank you!

The biggest ones posted by Kampflamm are dramatically realistic!

BTW, honestly I find the cladding a bit boring.

I agree about the abse of glass facades, but there are a lot of ways to mix up glass & metal elements.

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/6485/viv1ql5.jpg
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/5223/viv2ro4.jpg
http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/9467/viv8jy9.jpg
http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/8959/viv5rw6.jpg
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/3505/viv4ts6.jpg http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/3841/viv3wh6.jpg
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/8848/vii6ee6.jpg
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/204/vii5ti8.jpg
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/6123/vii4lb3.jpg
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/7773/vii3fr7.jpg
http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/5471/vii2rg6.jpg http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/6518/vii1gb4.jpg




from the developer:

Frankfurt, May 30, 2008. Vivico is responsible for one of Frankfurt's new multi-storey office blocks - Tower 185 - in the Europaviertel. The auditing company PricewaterhouseCoopers AG (PwC) is letting around 60,000 sqm in Tower 185 for its new Frankfurt headquarters. A contract has already been signed.

Tower 185, which is to be located on the street Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage, includes a total of 116,000 sqm (around 1,250,000 square feet) of gross floor space. By renting out part of Tower 185 to PwC, Vivico has concluded the largest contract in the Frankfurt office market in recent years.

At a press conference at which both Vivico and PwC were represented, Edwin Schwarz, head of the planning department, emphasized its significance for the city: "The Europaviertel is one of the largest urban development projects in the whole of Germany and the most important development area in Frankfurt. That's why I'm particularly pleased that, with Tower 185, an additional project will be carried out at the entrance to Europaviertel between Messe (trade fair venue) and Bankenviertel (financial district). This project is a significant step in the development of the new city district. I would like to thank both the investor Vivico and the tenant PwC for their faith in Frankfurt as a skyscraper location.

Hans Wagener, spokesman for the Board of Directors of PWC, about the move of the company's headquarters: "Due to our continuous growth, the number of people we employ in Frankfurt has increased to over 2,600, meaning that we had to rent three buildings in Mertonviertel. We will be able to reunite our Frankfurt team under one roof on Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage. Its proximity to the main railway station and its convenient transport links is an important plus factor for many of our employees. Overall, the move is a clear sign of our faith in Frankfurt as a business location."

Bernhard H. Hansen, CEO of Vivico, explained that the dynamic development of the entire Europaviertel will be continued: "We are already able to speak of a real success story: With Tower 185 we are now building the first skyscraper in the Europaviertel. We are particularly pleased to be able to welcome PwC as a tenant. Such a client proves that Frankfurt is an international business location and speaks for the growing reputation of the Europaviertel."

The address of Tower 185 is Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage 35-37. The building also stands on Hohenstaufenstrasse and Osloer Strasse. The banking district and the main railway station are within walking distance, and connections to public transport and the airport are outstanding. Tower 185 marks the entrance to the Europa*viertel and is located next to the Skyline Plaza, the planned shopping and events centre. The tower owes its name to its height of 185 metres (approx 606 feet). Tower 185 consists of a horse-shoe-shaped plinth building with a natural stone façade. Two multi-storey sections with an aluminium and glass façade arise from this; they surround a glazed middle section. Together they form the actual tower.

The building has a total of approx. 116,000 sqm of gross floor space above ground. PwC is renting out over 60,000 sqm of this for its Frankfurt headquarters. The international estate agents Knight Frank provided advice with the conclusion of the contract. In the six-storey plinth building there will be a canteen for employees of PwC as well as offices and the conference centre. A central urban entrance square leads into a six-storey foyer and so connects Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage with the Europaviertel.

More than 1,200 sqm of retail space and restaurants on the ground floor of the plinth building will invite lingering and will enable people to experience the overall atmosphere of Tower 185. In the upper floors of the 50 storey tower, there will be prestigious board, communication and conference rooms with a unique view of the skyline of Frankfurt. The tower contains a two-storey underground car park with around 550 parking places.

The architecture was designed by the Frankfurt architect Professor Christoph Mäckler. His design was chosen within the framework of a competitive multiple commission. The form of Mäckler's idea stems from rematerialised modernity; it stands for both timeless elegance and the sustainable use of resources that are becoming scarce.

Vivico will bear responsibility for Tower 185 until the keys are handed over. The building application will be submitted in spring 2008. Work will begin on preparing the land in August, in order that excavation work can begin in autumn 2008. The plinth building should be finished in autumn 2010, the tower itself at the end of 2011. Work has begun on marketing the remaining 30,000 sqm of office space in Tower 185.

just imagine the 2nd last shot with the Skyline Plaza :cheers:

just imagine this going up together with the grand hyatt, the skyline plaza, the güterplatz tower and the mathäeus tower at the same time, which is more or less going to happen :cheers:

plus opernturm, the palais quartier towers, the maintor towers, the (taller) kaiserkarree and the ecb tower :nuts:

Looks like 70's are back nothings modern in this tower waste of money for such crap

dude, make up your mind. you changed your comment three times now. first you said it looks like 70s, then that the 30s are back, and now back to the 70s crap ... :lol:

dude, make up your mind. you changed your comment three times now. first you said it looks like 70s, then that the 30s are back, and now back to the 70s crap ... :lol:

Its not change fact its old pice of crap by the way Congrats for Frankfurt i hope they wil build it :lol:

I really like this tower. It has some smart ground plan, that looks like an opened book or something. And the entrance is just classy.

But they should work on the sides, some diversified fenestration would really improve it a lot. Just an advice for Mäckler (the architect).

Above view (taken from the 3D animations (http://www.vivico.de/deutsch/Immobilien/Objekte/Europaviertel/Tower_185/index.php) by Vivico)
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/2407/tower185off07hl1.jpg

Closer look at the entrance
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/2705/tower185off08sz6.jpg

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/5577/tower185off09vk1.jpg

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/2449/tower185off03ic7.jpg

Looks like 70's are back nothings modern in this tower waste of money for such crap

Dude, show me just one tower of the 70s looking like this (http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/8964/viv1ej7.jpg).

Its not change fact its old pice of crap by the way Congrats for Frankfurt i hope they wil build it :lol:

najpierw sie naucz mowic po angielsku, chlopcze ...

a potem przestan zazdroscic, bo to nie ladnie wyglada. robisz z siebie palanta. nie musi ci sie podobac, ale najpierw pomysl, co mowisz ...


and you bet, it will get built - it's starting construction very soon :lol:

I am so glad they got away from that hyper-modern construction... I fonde those old-fashioned buildings still the best.Or aren't the old skyscrapers in NYC still the best towers? Empire State will always be THE skyscraper, no matter how many Burjs, and Plazas and Squares are built!
PWC Tower looks good, understatement is more what I like rather than these overdone "showoff" buildings. That is one reason why I like London's towers. They are huge and also the future projects are beautiful. While Tour Phare is just a project in memoriam for Barbapapa, that's what it looks like! :lol:

I am surprised you guys all like this tower. For me its looks like straight out of Benidorm.

I don't like the glas clad middle part (so 80s) and the logos on top of the building (wtf?).
but I really like the fact, that it's not an entirely glas clad tower - the trend towards stone (and aluminium) cladding is a positive, I think. it certainly adds diversity to the skyline. the impact won't be that big though, with all the other towers going up in the vicinity. I think it's a great filler, and it could turn out better, than on the rendering - the best thing is ...it looks different from each side. I guess it all comes to the details ... even the most monotone facade can look great, when done properly.

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/3548/wfnc6.jpg

Really ugly tower - where are the details? It's just stacking floors over and over again. With all the marvellous towers going up in Europe's skyscraper capital, this is definitely a miss.

I think the design is nice. has front of maastower. backside is not that nice. | Sorry for not reading previous posts but is it still approved? or is it U/C?

^^ construction starts in september

Ok, Good news :) Nice addition for Frankfurt.

[QUOTE=Skyline_FFM;21374788Or aren't the old skyscrapers in NYC still the best towers? [QUOTE]

Where do you see similarities with the old skyscrapers in NYC? How goschio said it looks like straight out of Benidorm.

[QUOTE=Skyline_FFM;21374788Or aren't the old skyscrapers in NYC still the best towers? [QUOTE]

Where do you see similarities with the old skyscrapers in NYC? How goschio said it looks like straight out of Benidorm.

Read more carefully please! I said this one was old-fashioned. But old-fashioned doesn't automatically mean bad. It surely has nothing in common with the ESB or Chrysler Building. But these two are the best examples that there is still an acceptable style for building besides the glass-cladding hype! And be honest: Frankfurt should be happy with every tower above 150m! With so many cancelled and shortened projects!

let's not exagerate. frankfurt has more 150m+ towers coming up than ever before. there are equally many projects that are being increased in height too...

Many projects have height increase? What is MANY. Kaiserkarree. But The hotel Tower in th Skyline Plaza was shortened to 150m from ofrmer 165m. Campanile,.... Hehehehe, you know! And I don't know of any other height increase. Just a shortening for Marieninsel from 250 to 220m and Millennium Tower from 375 to 350m.

ECB and FFH4 have been increased as well.

Even the Opernturm was supposed to be no higher than 100m (or so) in the beginning.

the hyatt was not shortened. it is actually even higher than the 160m (now 165m, and that's officially from hyatt). and you can't say millennium tower or marieninsel have been cut before the project actually goes ahead. we don't know yet, what the final height will be. we just know the masterplan heights, which in the past have been useless because of many exceptions.

ECB and FFH4 have been increased as well.

Even the Opernturm was supposed to be no higher than 100m (or so) in the beginning.

I thought Skytower had it's hiht shortened....??? It will only be 185m from it's inicial 200m...
FFH was increased as well? That is good news! I love the project!!! :banana:

the ecb was never intended to be 200m. first it was 184m, then it was cut to 177m and then increased again to 185m (plus spire).

FFH4 was initally just one tower of 70m,
then it was increased to 100m,
then a second tower of 70m was added,
then the big tower grew to 120m and the small one to 90m,
then the big one was increased to 125 and the small one to 99.something,

and now we have 136m for the big one and still 99.something for the small one. ..

Wow, I dind't know there was such an uprise in FFH4 project!!! :banana:

HD nie pajacuj po Polsku tylko pisz po angielsku bo to International Thread ale specjalnie dla Ciebie napisze po Polsku .To po pierwsze a tak w nawiasie to wyjasnij mi czego tu zazdroscic ? hahaha tej porazki lat 70tych w nowym wydaniu ;)i nie tylko ja sie wypowiadam negatywnie o tym budynku
Po drugie dla twojej wiedzy kazdy ma prawo do wlasnego zdania i wypowiedzi tych krytycznych tez !To jest "forum" zaznaczam a nie twoj prywatny kacik samoadoracji i twoich Niemieckich przyjaciol niestety jezeli nie wiesz co to znaczy Forum to poczytaj na http://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forum_dyskusyjne Po trzecie nie podoba sie to sie Get screwed:lol:

looks fresh, i'm very much into the tower.

I go by tram every day very close to the place, where the building will stay, right now there is a huge area enclosed by a fence, that's all. If you want, I can take a few pictures how it's look right now.

What do you expect to see if it will start construction in September?

it would still be useful to see the site before the actual construction starts

What do you expect to see if it will start construction in September?

a typical construction progress like on every other construction site maybe ?!?!?

I mean, what will he see NOW several months before? :lol: Some Dixiklos?

A dixiklo is always the first stage of every skyscraper construction. Can't wait to see pictures.

Pictures of the Dixiklos??? :lol:

Remeber the year 2006? It all started with a Dixiklo.

Und für die Fans:

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/5612/p1000810xo0.jpg

:lol:

^^ :rofl:

that was an historical moment :yes:

it appears construction of the tower is starting next week. new containers arrived, and parking next to the site is forbidden from july 7th due to construction work - a sign says ...

the tower was supposed to have 46 floors yet they revised the count to 50? Why that?

to maximize the amount of office space?

due tue new techniques, they're able to squeeze in more floors.

the tower was supposed to have 46 floors yet they revised the count to 50? Why that?

New Design = New Height and floors.

the article on the first post clearly says 50 floors ;)

UPDATE: this can be set to U/C now - pictures to follow soon

UPDATE: this can be set to U/C now - pictures to follow soon

Let`s change the satus to preperation.

Pics from two days ago.
I haven`t seen anyone working there.
http://i33.tinypic.com/24dixhh.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/16it7d1.jpg

Finally another tower going up in Frankfurt! Great, just Great!

Yes, good news. I am not sure about the design though. Looks IMO like a Casino Hotel.

Can a mod make it UC please.

got some new pics of the constructionyard :banana:

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/5411/dscn0316qp7.jpg
http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/4218/dscn0315vp2.jpg

@mods: its definitely U/C now!

where did you take this from? very interesting perspective.

thanks for posting

Nice to see this one getting started. Go Frankfurt! :)

cool pics, they're really fast :)

pull it up guys :)

two big projects from the same developer at almost the same time , amazing.

and a third one from this developer is coming up: the 210m bahn tower

and a third one from this developer is coming up: the 210m bahn tower

how "safe" is this project?

nothing is safe until it gets built. but it looks like the investor (vivico) and the city of frankfurt have reached an agreement which allows a building up to 210m high on that site. there is a new thread about the bahn tower here though ..

Bahn Tower won't get built! No way!!! :nono:

Bahn Tower won't get built! No way!!! :nono:

Why not? This tower makes perfect sense. It got a main tenant, green light from politics (even green party) and the neighbors/shadow issue is pretty much solved. So its one of the more likely projects in Frankfurt.

Why not? This tower makes perfect sense. It got a main tenant, green light from politics (even green party) and the neighbors/shadow issue is pretty much solved. So its one of the more likely projects in Frankfurt.

1st: Deutsche Bahn should spend it's money on train maintenance to avoid the accidents with the ICEs and
2nd: There is so many empty office space and there are so many towers built I fear it will become a ghost tower in some years!
3rd: Wasn't Millennium Tower a Deutsche Bahn development? With a tower next to the station I am pretty sure they would burry even the lightest chances for construction of Millennium Tower with that! :ohno:

Geez, good on ya Franky! This one is going to affect the Frankfurt am Main skyline! It would look great on completion

1st: Deutsche Bahn should spend it's money on train maintenance to avoid the accidents with the ICEs and
2nd: There is so many empty office space and there are so many towers built I fear it will become a ghost tower in some years!
3rd: Wasn't Millennium Tower a Deutsche Bahn development? With a tower next to the station I am pretty sure they would burry even the lightest chances for construction of Millennium Tower with that! :ohno:


1: deutsche bahn wants to cut costs by putting everything in one building instead of 30 locations
2: there is almost no empty space in central frankfurt in modern buildings - the vacancy rate almost exclusively applies to old - unrentable - office space. most skyscrapers being built now are purpose built projects - with tenants already.
3: MT was never a deutsche bahn development - it was always by vivico, which was involved with DB years ago.

for discussions about the bahn tower I suggest to post it in the bahn tower thread:
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=707012

Bahn Tower won't get built! No way!!! :nono:

Something tells me, if you are that sure, then there is nothing what can wrong with this project anymore. Wouldn't be the first time. :lol:

looks like name and design will change.. according to a source on dhf (http://www.xforen.de/showthread.php?t=1284&page=22)the glas-section of the tower will get a height increase of about 5 floors. height should be slightly above 200m now.
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/6752/pwct185img2684jm3.jpg

more images
http://www.vivico.de/images/img2510.jpg
http://www.vivico.de/images/img2508.jpg
http://www.vivico.de/images/img2514.jpg
http://www.vivico.de/images/img2512.jpg

now it doesnt look that boxy anymore... i like it.

Something tells me, if you are that sure, then there is nothing what can wrong with this project anymore. Wouldn't be the first time. :lol:

:lol: I will doubt any project from now on. Then they have true chances to get built! :rofl:
Next one to doubt: Millenium Tower! NEVER NEVER EVER!!!!! :lol:

looks like name and design will change.. according to a source on dhf (http://www.xforen.de/showthread.php?t=1284&page=22)the glas-section of the tower will get a height increase of about 5 floors. height should be slightly above 200m now.
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/6752/pwct185img2684jm3.jpg

more images
http://www.vivico.de/images/img2510.jpg
http://www.vivico.de/images/img2508.jpg
http://www.vivico.de/images/img2514.jpg
http://www.vivico.de/images/img2512.jpg

That is good news! That means 5 potential 200m+ buildings adding to the skyline!!! :banana:

^^ on this picture alone we can see the location of 5 potential 200m+ towers

http://www.vivico.de/images/img2512.jpg

the now 200m+(?) tall T185, the proposed 230m DZ Bank, the yesterday approved Bahn Tower (210m), the approved 211m T1 and the approved 350m+ MT. with MesseTurm and Westendstrasse 1, this view could eventually host 7 x 200m+ towers.

despite the height increase I don't think I like it more. the top looks weird to me. I wonder how tall it is now.

Nice, I like it now more.

And 200m+ is not bad.

one more fresh render of the towers entree

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/3816/page81003fulloq5.jpg

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/6752/pwct185img2684jm3.jpg
Looks a bit like Tower 42 in London, in this render.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Tower42.jpg

He he he. This is true!

it looks much better :D

Four highrises under U/C- Frankfurt is pure booming :banana:

there are more than 4 u/c, but you can call it a boom ;)

the new tower 185 has 56 floors, apparently

I heard the official groundbreaking ceremony will be held next week. There's already a 'party tent' on site.

This project is amazing. Classic design, and well integrated in its environment (from my point of view).

How I wish return to visit Frankfurt one more time! Soon I hope! :cheers:

I heard the official groundbreaking ceremony will be held next week. There's already a 'party tent' on site.

it's today. hopefully we get the new official height at this occasion.

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/9411/img9632jk4.jpg

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/3658/img9629ne3.jpg

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/5467/img9627ff1.jpg

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/246/img9625nz7.jpg

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/8624/img9618ue2.jpg

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/6581/img9611cn1.jpg

Kachle@flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23835393@N04)

Thanks a lot!

So what's the official height now? Anything revealed at the opening ceremony?

So vey..

A press release regarding todays' celebrated groundbreaking at Tower 185:
Today in the Europaviertel, Vivico together with Petra Roth, Mayor of the City of Frankfurt, Hans Wagener, spokesman for the Board of Directors of Pricewaterhouse Coopers AG (PwC) and Professor Christoph Mäckler, architect, cut the first sod for Tower 185.

"The Europaviertel is reaching new heights," emphasised Bernhard H. Hansen, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vivico. "Tower 185 is the first high-rise in the Europaviertel. The start of Tower 185's construction is marked by a rapidly developing Europaviertel. It is already a location for living, offices and hotels. As the next step, the Skyline Plaza with extensive shopping and meeting options will sensibly complement the usage mix in the Europaviertel."

For Hansen the Vivico project developments are sustainable investments: "The conclusion of the lease agreement with PwC before construction begins confirms our strategy of commercially sound planning and implementation." The auditing company Pricewaterhouse Coopers AG has rented around 645,000 square feet in Tower 185 for its new Frankfurt company headquarters. The sustainable approach is to be complemented by the ecological optimisation of Tower 185. Vivico is striving to achieve certification from the international seal of approval of "LEED" [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). "LEED" defines standards for environmentally-friendly, resource-saving and sustainable construction and is considered the world's most recognized benchmark for ecological real estate.

The start of construction work was symbolically celebrated with the cutting of the first sod. The initial preparatory work has been running since the start of September. The foundations are expected to be completed in February 2009. After that, the six-storey base building is to be erected, with completion planned for autumn 2010. The construction of the 50-storey tower is to be concluded by the end of 2011.

Tower 185 marks the entrance to the Europaviertel and lies directly next to the Skyline Plaza, the shopping and conference centre recently approved by the Frankfurt city councillor assembly. The address for Tower 185 is Friedrich Ebert Anlage 35-37.

The building has a total of approx. 1,445,000 square feet of gross floor space above ground, mainly for office use. More than 12,900 square feet of retail trade and restaurants on the ground floor of the base building will liven up the entire environment of Tower 185. The upper floors of the 50-storey tower will house prestigious business offices, communications and conference rooms with a unique skyline view. The tower contains a two-storey underground car park with around 550 parking spaces. The trend-setting architecture of the high-rise stems from the Frankfurt architect Professor Christoph Mäckler. It integrates itself harmoniously into the existing city panoramic view.
Source: Vivico Real Estate (http://www.vivico.de/php/PresseMeldung.php?lang=d&id=309)

Thanks a lot!

So what's the official height now? Anything revealed at the opening ceremony?
zero meters i think.

Did you already include the ToiToi in your calculations?

toitois do count like spires, means you can put a 100 meter toitoi on a 200m skyscraper, but the official height of the skyscraper will remain 200m.

hey, 0 meters are better, than -20m ... like in a couple of weeks

Pics from the groundbreaking ceremony:
Early design:
http://www.deutsches-architektur-forum.de/forum/pics/cyfi/T185_080929_01.jpg

http://www.deutsches-architektur-forum.de/forum/pics/cyfi/T185_080929_02.jpg

http://www.deutsches-architektur-forum.de/forum/pics/cyfi/T185_080929_03.jpg

http://www.deutsches-architektur-forum.de/forum/pics/cyfi/T185_080929_04.jpg


New Masterplan:



http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/4315/080918masterplanmitmdng0.th.jpg (http://img387.imageshack.us/my.php?image=080918masterplanmitmdng0.jpg)http://img387.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)


Some pics of the developers, City Counsel members and the architect:

http://www.deutsches-architektur-forum.de/forum/pics/cyfi/T185_080929_08.jpg

http://www.deutsches-architektur-forum.de/forum/pics/cyfi/T185_080929_09.jpg

http://www.deutsches-architektur-forum.de/forum/pics/cyfi/T185_080929_10.jpg

http://www.deutsches-architektur-forum.de/forum/pics/cyfi/T185_080929_12.jpg

http://www.deutsches-architektur-forum.de/forum/pics/cyfi/T185_080929_15.jpg

http://www.deutsches-architektur-forum.de/forum/pics/cyfi/T185_080929_13.jpg

http://www.deutsches-architektur-forum.de/forum/pics/cyfi/T185_080929_14.jpg

And now some official Pics from Vivico itself:

http://www.ld-host.de/uploads/images/2d0017dad9b070ff467e13d1a4449f74.jpg

New renderings of the new design, it still might change a little bit though:

http://www.ld-host.de/uploads/images/5c8ea853777424de390f5313975cdf94.jpg
Pic by Vivico.com, the developer, Press area

http://www.ld-host.de/uploads/images/bcf4377b9f681f829d0f31d4bc3cab2b.jpg
Pic by Vivico.com, the developer, Press area

http://www.ld-host.de/uploads/images/6e859a90534bd78add5e941ff3d4bf3c.jpg
Pic by Vivico.com, the developer, Press area

http://www.ld-host.de/uploads/images/a31da9c5013759eb363aa7789ec01cd8.jpg
Pic by Vivico.com, the developer, Press area

http://www.ld-host.de/uploads/images/b5a9487029b4278ffb401604879fa324.jpg
Pic by Vivico.com, the developer, Press area

http://www.ld-host.de/uploads/images/5b0de40102c3494d9c88cdeea76ba028.jpg
Pic by Vivico.com, the developer, Press area

http://www.ld-host.de/uploads/images/41266801c86180e2b611d8d76b9a6337.jpg
Pic by Vivico.com, the developer, Press area

http://www.ld-host.de/uploads/images/175ba517f1dcc959b3b254b3fd7ecb69.jpg
Pic by Vivico.com, the developer, Press area

http://www.ld-host.de/uploads/images/0d7a3451580f2baacbce02473f207209.jpg
Pic by Vivico.com, the developer, Press area

and finally a little comparism of the old design and the new one:

old (http://www.deutsches-architektur-forum.de/forum/pics/schmittchen/tower185_off_03.jpg)
new (http://www.deutsches-architektur-forum.de/forum/pics/schmittchen/t185neurender01.jpg)

one clearly can see the height increase, it should be around 204m

thanks for sharing!

Indeed, it looks much better now, not like a chopped tree anymore. Though the early design was also looking fine.

Cool renders!!!! ^^

:cheers:

yeah, another tower for frankfurt:cheers:. Only Millenium Tower is missing.

There still are dozens of towers missing, even if one dozen is being built right now or being started within the next year.

http://img387.imageshack.us/img387/4315/080918masterplanmitmdng0.th.jpg (http://img387.imageshack.us/my.php?image=080918masterplanmitmdng0.jpg)http://img387.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)


It would be better, when they build the "Tower 365" :)

But this Tower is fine too

i'm sure they'll build it, question is only "when" :)

In germany, we have a nice proverb: "wenn Ostern und Pfingsten auf einen Tag fallen"
(dict means they say "if pigs could fly" in english)

that's what was said about tower 185 too... and the UEC, and opernturm, and skyper ....

Very well placed, filling up the space between the Messeturm and the Commerzbank Tower cluster. Giving Frankfurt sort of a coherent skyline.

that's what was said about tower 185 too... and the UEC, and opernturm, and skyper ....

Yes, we had many positive surprises in recent months/ years. And in many cases the towers got even taller than originally planned.

Pic from yesterday.
http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/5320/mg0063qm6.jpg

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/7349/mg0062mo6.jpg

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/3792/mg0061fc6.jpg

great to see lots of progress on site :), many thx tom!

huge site.

it's time to change the height in the title.

A few photos from friday, 07.11.:
http://images45.fotosik.pl/29/ace7d00cd6cc943f.jpg (www.fotosik.pl)

http://images32.fotosik.pl/396/065804fba4cd06d7.jpg (www.fotosik.pl)

http://images43.fotosik.pl/29/92d9f179de785e3b.jpg (www.fotosik.pl)

http://images42.fotosik.pl/29/8737118679738f0c.jpg (www.fotosik.pl)

http://images29.fotosik.pl/293/11e5c40ccc8044af.jpg (www.fotosik.pl)

http://images49.fotosik.pl/29/c82311788480780c.jpg (www.fotosik.pl)

http://images47.fotosik.pl/29/745a79eb226e8543.jpg (www.fotosik.pl)

http://images42.fotosik.pl/29/babdb315e71e41d0.jpg (www.fotosik.pl)

thx for the update, can't wait until this tower is rising :)

great new pics, taken by fellow german forumer il fenomeno today:


http://i37.tinypic.com/54vk76.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/2d01kpx.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/r7m8gi.jpg[/QUOTE]

:banana:

Great to see that construction on this tower has started, i'll probably be in Frankfurt in December, and I hope i get the chance to see the construction sight and take some pics...I wonder how far the construction progress will be by then, let's hope it's fast so that by 2011 Frankfurt will have its 5th Skyscraper over 200m....

Btw, I have to say that I liked the old design slightly better, but at least the new design comes with a height increase (though It'll only be for the central part (is that the elevator shaft btw?) judging by the new renderings).

Why did the height of the tower change from 185 metres to 204 metres. If the height changes, it won't be known as the Tower 185 anymore. The tower's name should have been changed to Tower 204. I hate this new height.

why do you hate the new height? a new 200m tower for frankfurt ist just great!

^^ Word!

I prefer the new design anyway.

the current name is just a placeholder title for this project. i`m pretty sure it will be renamed before completion, or called pwc-tower anyway. :banana:

why do you hate the new height? a new 200m tower for frankfurt ist just great!

Yeah, but not on this site! I wish the height stayed at 185 metres and 46 floors as planned. Why'd they have to go ahead and increased the height anyway?!

Why'd they have to go ahead and increased the height anyway?!

Why not?

Yeah, but not on this site! I wish the height stayed at 185 metres and 46 floors as planned. Why'd they have to go ahead and increased the height anyway?!

lol ^^, as skyscraperfan i love height increases. Taller = Better :)

Its not only the height. The new design looks also much better.

^ Agreed. I don't get Jimmyboys' point.

The design works much better with the higher glass cylinder.

hehe, sounds like the good old euroscraper days!^^

yeah, the new top actually makes it a bit more individual and better proportions. the old design looked so cut off at the top.

and of course it is finally a new 200m+ after 9 years now (Main Tower, 1999).

2 minutes ago

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/2898/t185cmu7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I am really looking forward to a new 200+ meters tower. But I am still a bit sad about the old facade that was demolished,... :(

hey is the above photo was taken through live site cam system? :)

yes, it's from the tower-webcam

is the height still wright?I read somwhere it will be just 185m! But I hope they are mistaken hehe.

It used to be 185m (therefore the name) but they changed the design and the height a bit. Now its 204m.

I always thought the 204m are just an estimate. Or is it the officialy confirmed height now?

Tower 185 from the project in first page (is that the final name?) looks awesome

I always thought the 204m are just an estimate. Or is it the officialy confirmed height now?

as far as i know the height is not confirmed yet...but it is over 200m for sure

cool!:banana:

At least Frankfurt got one skyscraper UC. The other ones are now only highrises (<200m) LOL

tower 2 will be also a skyscraper :)

not really. at ssc only buildings over 200m are skyscrapers. buildings between 100m and 200m are highrises.