Gerling Ring-Karree
A 55-metre office tower on Hohenzollernring designed by Norman Foster — with a hidden lake and garden reserved exclusively for residents.
since 2001
The Gerling Ring-Karree is a 55-metre office building on Hohenzollernring in Cologne, designed by Norman Foster and combining offices, showrooms, and luxury apartments.
At a Glance
- Type
- Office building with showrooms and luxury apartments
- Location
- Hohenzollernring, near Friesenplatz, Altstadt-Nord district
- Height
- 55 metres, 17 storeys
- Floor area
- 25,000 m²
- Construction
- February 1999 to August 2001
- Architect
- Norman Foster (Foster + Partners)
- Developer
- Gerling Group
Hidden inside the Gerling Ring-Karree complex is a real lake surrounded by trees and shrubs – but this private green oasis is completely off-limits to the public and reserved exclusively for the residents of its luxury apartments.
Things to do here
- Admire the 55-metre Foster high-rise from the Hohenzollernring
- Photograph the striking architecture
- Take in the modern glass façade and the three building wings
- Stroll by while exploring the Friesenplatz area
Size comparison
Height compared with other landmarks in Cologne.
Age comparison
Age compared with other places in Cologne.
Architecture
The complex consists of three high-rise blocks, some of which are arranged within the interior of the city block. Two elongated buildings frame the ensemble facing Hohenzollernring and Friesenwall. Foster wove nature into the modern design: tucked inside lies a lake alongside an area of trees and shrubs. These spaces are not open to the public and remain the exclusive preserve of residents.
Construction and History
The building was constructed by Hochtief at a cost of around 24 million euros and inaugurated in October 2001. During excavation works, archaeological artefacts came to light and were incorporated into the underground car park.
Timeline
- 1999Construction begins in February
- 2001Construction completed in August
- 2001Inauguration in October
Map
Blue dots: other places nearby — tap to explore.
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Sources & links
- Official website
- Official website (retrieved 2026-07-17)
- Wikidata (retrieved 2026-06-26)
- Wikipedia (retrieved 2026-06-26)
Auto-generated, last verified: 2026-06-26
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