A spirit of optimism in Adalbertstrasse: the most prominent and largest vacancy in Aachen's largest shopping street - the former Wehmeyer complex - will soon be history. At the city council meeting on Wednesday (April 22), the real estate company Midstad presented its current plans to politicians and the public. The goal formulated together with the city of Aachen is to create a lively, sustainable area with a mix of residential, retail and gastronomy.

Lord Mayor Dr. Michael Ziemons is pleased that such an important project for Aachen's city center is now being tackled: "The city center of the future is no longer just a place for shopping, but a vibrant space for living, working, living and lingering - only the right mix of uses will bring it back to life. I am therefore very pleased that we have a committed partner at our side in Midstad, who wants to develop the difficult Wehmeyer site into a gem. Together, we are working on a successful future for Adalbertstrasse."

Dr. Kevin Meyer, Managing Director of Midstad, says: "We are convinced of the location and at the same time see a special responsibility to strengthen the entire location in Adalbertstrasse in the long term. That is why we are planning a multiple commissioning in a cooperative process to which we are inviting renowned architectural firms. In close dialog with the city and urban society, we will present the results in the autumn. Together, we now have the opportunity to set the course for the future at this inner-city location."

City Planning Councillor Frauke Burgdorff says: "Our commitment to the development of the eastern city center is now bearing really good fruit. I am very pleased with the commitment with which the owner is moving forward - we are actively supporting the success of the upcoming development."

Thomas Hissel, Aachen's Councillor for Housing, Social Affairs and Economy, adds: "The former Wehmeyer site is a key location for the further development of our city center. A new, mixed-use district can be created here that combines housing, amenities and quality of life and thus provides an important boost for the city center."

The project developer, real estate company Midstad, is active in five European countries and operates around 60 properties in 60 cities. Since 2024, Midstad has been successively acquiring plots of land on the former Wehmeyer site between Adalbertstrasse and Reihstrasse in Aachen in order to develop this area. And this is the future mix of uses for the plots now owned: On the first floor, attractive retail is to provide footfall. Visitors will find restaurants on the second floor. In addition, more residential-related uses such as fitness and recreational areas are to be created. Residential space will be created on the floors above. A total of around 325 units are planned. Terraces, gardens and PV systems are proposed on the roof areas.

In order to ensure a high level of architectural and urban planning quality, Midstad is carrying out a so-called qualification process in coordination with the city of Aachen. This means that four planning offices from three countries (Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, plus one office from Aachen) will be selected to work out the detailed usage program for the Adalbertstrasse site. This process is due to start in the second quarter of 2026. After three to four months, a jury will evaluate the designs and make a recommendation to the project sponsor on how to proceed and possible follow-up commissions.

A public exhibition on the façade of the building in Adalbertstraße invites people to find out more about the history and background of the old Wehmeyer site and to leave suggestions for the jury's decision. In addition, the designs will subsequently be presented to the public in the run-up to the jury meeting.