Cologne/Leverkusen – The leading provider of serviced apartments in the business long-stay segment, ipartment GmbH, continues to expand and today opens a new building in Leverkusen, right in the “Neue Bahnstadt Opladen”. Built in 1948, the historic “Kesselhaus” was once the heart of the former railroad repair factory. The focus of this revitalization was the sustainable conversion and modernization of this historic building, which has also contributed to CO₂ reduction, as it requires less energy and resources than new buildings.
“The “ipartments” further enhance the Neue Bahnstadt Opladen. They represent the future of living and working in an urban environment. I am delighted that our rapidly changing working and living environment is also reflected in exciting architecture. The ipartments are an important investment in society and the future of our city,” explains Uwe Richrath, Lord Mayor of the City of Leverkusen.
The new Kesselhaus, including the new building, covers a total of around 1,600 square meters. Of this, 32 stylish and design-oriented apartments have been created on 1,174 square meters, ranging in size from 22 to 71 square meters.
“We are very happy that we always believed in the project and that we can celebrate our grand opening today! This location uniquely combines industrial history with contemporary architecture, perfectly reflecting our vision of innovative and stylish serviced apartments with design elements. Comfort, flexibility, a digital guest journey and comprehensive service round off our offering,” says Ralph Stock, shareholder and CEO of ipartment GmbH.
Transformation with industrial charm and design elements
The conversion of the listed boiler house combines historical and modern elements, giving the building a unique character with industrial charm. The new extension with an impressive CORTEN façade has been created on the west side of the boiler house. “This is a steel that oxidizes and develops this rusty protective layer that gives the façade its own look,” explains Bernd Oxen, architect of the project. This extension consists of a first floor and four floors above ground. The boiler house has six floors above ground. One highlight is the glass elevator that connects the historic part with the new part. The old listed industrial elements and the boilers can be viewed through large windows on the upper floors.
“After we won the competition for the Kesselhaus, I was very happy to design the landmark for the new Bahnstadt area. At the time, I would never have believed that it would take several years to complete it. I am all the more pleased that it has now been built almost exactly as it was planned many years ago,” continued architect Oxen.
In addition to the designer apartments on the upper floors, there are office and commercial units on the first floor. The immediate proximity to Opladen station and the city center makes the new ipartment building particularly attractive for travelers who appreciate an urban yet central location.
Vibrant neighborhood development in Leverkusen-Opladen
Neue Bahnstadt Opladen is a new urban district covering around 70 hectares that offers a harmonious combination of living, education, working, shopping, green spaces and leisure facilities. The lively quarter around the Kesselhaus not only offers a perfect connection to the “Campus Leverkusen” of Cologne Technical University, but also a wide range of restaurants and numerous green recreational areas. The combination of historic industrial buildings and modern architecture makes Neue Bahnstadt Opladen a successful location that combines the best of the past and the future.
“The opening of ipartment in the Neue Bahnstadt in Opladen is a sign of the attractiveness of this up-and-coming district and new hot spot in Leverkusen. The new establishment further strengthens Bahnstadt and shows that there is a demand for modern, flexible living and accommodation options. We are delighted about this enrichment and are convinced that this is only the beginning of a continued positive development of Bahnstadt,” reports Christian Zöller, Leverkusen Economic Development Agency.
At a glance:
- Owner: Kesselhaus Leverkusen GbR, Essen
- Address: Bahnstadtchaussee 2, 51379 Leverkusen
- Number of serviced apartments: 32
- Size of the serviced apartments: 22 to 71 sqm
- Serviced apartment categories: Xtra Smart (16), Medium (8), Large (2), Xtra Large (6)
- Total square meters (serviced apartments): 1,174 sqm
- Outdoor parking lots: 24
- Old building/continuance: listed boiler house as the heart of the former railroad repair factory; two of three boilers have been preserved; conversion for serviced apartments and an entrance area with a glass elevator
- New building: first floor (commercial space), 1st to 3rd floor (serviced apartments)
- Opening: 1.9.2024
