GIEAG wins investor competition for Heinzelmann site in Reutlingen

The nationwide project developer GIEAG Immobilien AG (GIEAG) was able to prevail over three other competitors in the investor competition that has been running for over a year and has been awarded the contract to purchase the HEINZELMANN-AREAL in Reutlingen. The neighborhood concept was designed by GIEAG together with the Swedish-based architectural firm “White Arkitekter”. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2021.

A car-free neighborhood will be created in the center of Reutlingen’s Oststadt district, comprising a diverse mix of residential and commercial space on a total gross floor area of 16,000 square meters. As part of the development, the existing buildings will be renovated and complemented by the construction of two new freestanding buildings made of wood, which will also feature solar panels on the roofs. A total of 87 residential and 20 commercial units are to be built, along with an anticipated 83 car and 150 bicycle parking spaces. The urban design accents will be set in special consideration of the historical context and the listed areas of the site.

Thomas Männel, member of the GIEAG management board, comments: “Success stories of past real estate transactions are not always applicable to new situations. As a team, we have to face new tasks, dare to make changes and constantly reinvent ourselves in order to be able to respond to changing times with innovative new business models. The project development of the HEINZELMANN-AREAL is a great challenge that we are happy to take on. We are fully aware of our responsibility in this.”

Max Zinnecker, senior architect at White Arkitekter, adds, “Transformation is one of the great tasks of today’s generation of architects, not only from the point of view of conserving resources, but also to adapt our cities to the changing needs of society. In this context, the new HEINZELMANN-AREAL is characterized by the generous public space, which, through its social potential as a new meeting place, can enhance not only the property, but also the surrounding eastern city.”