Frankfurt's iconic KWU towers to be demolished for 1,200 new homes by 2029
Demolition of Former KWU Towers at Kaiserlei to Begin in May
In May, work will commence on the demolition of the former KWU towers at Kaiserlei. ABG FRANKFURT HOLDING submitted the demolition notice to the city of Offenbach on March 30. Following the mandatory waiting period, work is set to begin in mid-May, with visible demolition activity expected from late May. The deconstruction is planned in two phases, and ABG estimates the buildings will be fully dismantled by the end of the year.
Process Aims to Minimize Emissions
ABG has commissioned Becker Sanierungstechnik GmbH, based in Oberhausen with a branch in Offenbach, to carry out the demolition. The company will first dismantle the buildings selectively, floor by floor. Structural components will be segmented, lifted out by crane, and processed at ground level. Only once the buildings are low enough will mechanical demolition using long-reach excavators begin. The structures will be scaffolded and covered with tarpaulins to keep noise and dust emissions as low as possible, according to ABG. Additionally, most of the demolition material will remain on-site and be repurposed for later construction work.
New "Kaiserviertel" District Expected by Late 2029
On the long-vacant site, ABG plans to build nearly 1,200 rental apartments by the end of 2029, including 1,179 unitsâamong them a publicly subsidized student dormitory with space for over 350 students. An additional 10 percent of the residential space will be allocated for subsidized housing, bringing the total share of socially supported housing to around 23 percent. The project also includes over 4,000 square meters of new office space and commercial areas along Strahlenberger StraĂe.
GBO Secures Option for Around 100 Apartments
Offenbach's Lord Mayor Felix Schwenke links the start of construction to the beginning of urban quarter development at the city's western entrance. "I am very pleased that ABG is keeping its word and, as promised, swiftly beginning demolition of the KWU towers," Schwenke says. "After years of stagnation, we are finally laying the foundation for the new Kaiserviertel at the entrance to Offenbach." He emphasizes that, in addition to student housing, publicly subsidized apartments will also be created. Offenbach's municipal housing company, GBO, has secured an option to purchase around 100 of these units for future operation, with a decision expected in 2027.
Climate Requirements and Daycare Center Planned
The project is designed to meet the city's 2035 Climate Protection Concept, incorporating green roofs, permeable surfaces, and an energy strategy based on the "sponge city" principle. A total of 737 parking spacesâequivalent to 0.6 spaces per apartmentâwill be provided, along with additional bicycle parking. A daycare center is also planned, with ABG covering the costs.
City Calls It a Long-Awaited Step
Both the city and ABG stress that, after years of inactivity, the project is now moving forward. "We wanted a process that would minimize noise and dust for nearby residents while ensuring high safety standards and emission controlâall without delaying construction progress," says ABG Managing Director Frank Junker. For ABG, the project is part of a broader investment program exceeding âŹ500 million.
