Frankfurt's 1970s student dorms to become a modern 1,000-unit residential hub
Frankfurt am Main's Student Services Organisation is set to transform its outdated dormitories on Ginnheimer Landstraße into a modern student residential quarter. The project will deliver over 1,000 housing units through renovations, new construction, and densification to meet rising demand. Current plans include a 24-month construction phase, expected to begin in early 2026.
The existing high-rise buildings at Ginnheimer Landstraße 40 and 42, constructed in the 1970s, currently provide 731 units combined. Building 40, last renovated in 1998, offers 286 units, while Building 42, the largest student complex in the city, houses 445. Both structures will be converted into independent studio apartments while keeping their original load-bearing frameworks.
A blind, multi-stage competition selected Lengfeld & Wilisch Architects from Darmstadt as the winners for their innovative design. Their proposal features a hybrid modular construction method, enabling cost-effective prefabrication of housing and communal modules. The urban plan emphasises high-density living integrated with nearby green spaces and residential areas, alongside sustainable transport solutions.
Despite the detailed vision, no official timeline has been released for the project's next phases. The start of construction, completion date, and specific implementation steps remain unconfirmed.
The redevelopment will significantly increase student housing capacity in Bockenheim. By combining modernisation, new builds, and sustainable design, the project aims to create a high-quality living environment. Once completed, the site will offer improved accommodation options for over 1,000 students.
