The residential buildings built between 1900 and 1906 at Maulbeerstrasse 44, 46 and 48 as well as the buildings at Sandgrubenstrasse 2 and 4 are listed in the inventory of buildings worthy of protection and are part of Rosental Mitte today. In the 1960s and 1970s, all five buildings were converted into office buildings.

At the same time, they became part of the area that remains closed off to this day, making access from the common land no longer possible. Over the years, the façades – especially those facing the courtyard – have been adapted for office use. The façades facing the street, on the other hand, were largely able to retain their historical character.

The conversion into offices has resulted in major changes to the buildings’ interiors. Bathrooms and kitchens were removed and these spaces added to the office space. Only the historical stairwells with their entrances on Maulbeerstrasse and Sandgrubenstrasse remained in their original condition.

The office space is currently no longer required, which is why the residential buildings are being converted into apartments again. This means the buildings must be comprehensively renovated and adapted to current standards.

A key component of the renovation is the new access via public areas. To this end, the site fence will be moved and access from the street side restored.

The architects have developed a project with ‘two faces’. The historical façades will be restored along Maulbeerstrasse and Sandgrubenstrasse, while a modern steel structure with spacious balconies and pergolas will be created in the inner courtyard as a second barrier-free access point. Three new lifts ensure that almost all apartments can be easily reached.

The light restrictions caused by the tall laboratory building on the courtyard side are compensated for by a special floor plan for the apartments on Maulbeerstrasse. All 47 apartments will receive new bathrooms and kitchens as well as a modern finish.
The inner courtyard will also be redesigned and the steel structure will be extensively landscaped with suitable climbing plants. A pergola, a fountain and a playground for children invite residents to linger. Covered bike parking spaces round off the facilities.
The residential buildings are expected to be occupied from the fourth quarter of 2028.