Offenbach's Röderstraße daycare reopens with modern upgrades after €6.5M renovation
Röderstraße Daycare Center in Central Offenbach Reopens After Major Renovation and Expansion
The Röderstraße daycare center, located in the heart of Offenbach, has undergone a comprehensive 18-month energy-efficient and technical renovation, along with the addition of a new building. The facility was also adapted to meet current demand and the standards of modern childcare. Since 2021, the daycare has been fully operational once again. On Thursday, the symbolic inauguration finally took place.
Paul-Gerhard Weiß, head of planning and construction for the city, remarked: "This building is modern, welcoming, and tailored entirely to children's needs. I'm delighted that we can celebrate its inauguration today—and it's wonderful to see how the new space is being brought to life by the children and staff. Today's event also symbolically marks the completion of three other modernization and new construction projects for Offenbach daycare centers, finished in 2021 but not yet officially inaugurated due to the pandemic. These include the Brandenburger Straße, Goethestraße, and Johannes-Morhart-Straße daycare centers."
Mayor Sabine Groß, who also oversees childcare services, added: "With its expansive outdoor area, the Röderstraße daycare is not only an architectural highlight but also provides much-needed additional space and childcare spots. This centrally located facility can now accommodate one more group of children."
The Construction Project: Partial Demolition and New Build
The project began in 2019 with the demolition of the outdated 1960s and 1970s buildings at Röderstraße 25. As Weiß explained: "The existing main building and its extension no longer met today's energy efficiency standards, nor did they fulfill the spatial requirements for modern early childhood education and care. The available space was too limited, and we could no longer meet the minimum area per child." Over time, the daycare's operational concept and usage had also evolved significantly. Groß noted: "Today, the facility operates full-time rather than just in the mornings, as originally planned. At the same time, we had to address the growing demand for childcare places in the surrounding area." As a result, the Röderstraße location was expanded from six to seven daycare groups—each with 25 children—bringing the total capacity to 175 spots.
The new two-story building houses five daycare groups and connects to the remaining 2006 structure, which stayed operational with two groups throughout construction. Minimal modifications were made to the existing building to integrate it with the new addition.
Constructed using timber frame methods, the new building allowed for a shorter construction period, particularly reducing the time needed for the structural phase. "This approach also minimized noise disruption in the city center during construction," Weiß said. "Additionally, timber construction is a sustainable method, using renewable materials with a positive overall energy balance."
The expansion also improved accessibility, ensuring barrier-free entry for individuals with limited mobility. The older building can now be reached via the new structure's main entrance, while a ramp bridges the height difference between the new and existing sections, enabling seamless access.
Temporary Relocation and Expansion: Röderstraße Daycare Completes Major Renovation
For a year and a half while the new building was under construction, the daycare's four existing groups temporarily relocated from the soon-to-be-demolished old structure into an interim facility on the outdoor grounds of Röderstraße 25. The interim building consisted of 33 steel containers. Alongside the new construction, the outdoor areas were redesigned in two phases—first in the northern section of the grounds, which was not occupied by the temporary structure. After the daycare moved into the new building, the interim facility was dismantled and removed, allowing the second phase of outdoor redevelopment to begin.
The renovation project cost approximately €6.5 million. Remaining funds from the budget are still available for a green roof and the installation of a photovoltaic system, with implementation planned for autumn 2023.
The project was led by the Office for Planning and Construction, specifically the Building Management Division, while the Offenbach Project Development Company (OPG), part of the Stadtwerke Offenbach Group's real estate portfolio, handled project coordination and fiduciary implementation.
Spacious New Facilities While Staying Operational
Röderstraße Daycare is one of the municipal childcare centers operated by Eigenbetrieb Kindertageseinrichtungen Offenbach (EKO).
Kerstin Weishaar, head of the daycare, reflects on the completed project: "For a year and a half, our children watched their new daycare being built every day. It was especially exciting for them. But we're also relieved to have our routine back—and best of all, we now have far more space than before. We use every bit of it daily, which is a huge benefit for our children."
The daycare now accommodates seven core groups, where each child can explore and develop skills. After settling in, children have the opportunity to visit other groups and activities. "The expanded and improved facilities not only allow us to offer a broader range of educational programs but also enable us to support each child's development in a more tailored and needs-based way," explains Roberto Priore, head of the Youth Welfare Office and managing director of EKO.
In addition to group rooms, the pedagogical concept includes dedicated intensive-use spaces assigned to each group. These areas allow children to retreat in smaller groups for play or themed small-group activities.
The daycare also features two movement rooms for running, playing, and letting off steam. A new creative studio encourages children to experiment with different art techniques, while a clay workshop provides space for crafting and modeling. A children's library is actively used in daily activities, and a family corner offers parents insights into the daycare's educational approach.
Beyond language development, social interaction and values-based education are central to the daycare's concept. Röderstraße participates in the federal program "Language Daycares: Because Language is the Key to the World," which includes initiatives for inclusion, family collaboration, and everyday language learning.
The large outdoor area, with its trees and shrubs, invites children to play, climb, hide, and explore in all weather. Regular outings include visits to nearby playgrounds, parks, and neighborhood excursions to schools, shops, and cultural sites. Two to three times a year, the daycare organizes trips to local theaters or hosts on-site events.
Source: City of Offenbach press release
