Strategies for both Messeturm and Pollux

One building is an architectural classic with a global reputation, the other a modern high-rise in the immediate vicinity. As different as both buildings are, the challenges were comparable: vacancies and outdated attractiveness put the properties in the highly competitive Frankfurt market under pressure.

The Messeturm and Pollux buildings are located in the immediate vicinity of the Messe Frankfurt exhibition and convention centre. While Messeturm is the landmark of the banking metropolis and at the same time one of Europe's best-known skyscrapers, the Pollux skyscraper, the counterpart of the smaller Kastor Tower opposite, can be described as a modern skyscraper classic. Both office towers were designed by prominent international architects. Helmut Jahn, the well-known German-born Chicago-based architect, was responsible for the Art Deco-style of Messeturm; and Kohn Pederson Fox’s New York office designed the timeless Pollux building, with its cool-glass façade.

Both properties had already experienced little letting success for several years when we were awarded the mandate. The very different buildings also required a differently weighted tool set. In the case of Pollux, which was still very attractive and technically modern internally, the focus was more about increasing its attractiveness through marketing measures and sensitive design architecture such as an upgrade of the lobby. In the case of Messeturm, the interior of which was becoming rather dated, questions had to be asked about features such as the reflected ceiling plan, both in technical and visual terms, in order to reposition the iconic building in the market. The presentation of service areas such as the underground access, canteen and conference centre also had to be reconsidered and complemented with new features to realise the potential of this first-class building.

Asset management for real estate is never an exact science, and it is never an approach that revolves only around the building in question. Rather, it is about strategically positioning a property to perform in the market conditions and identifying the exact tools required to achieve this reorientation. So, with Messeturm and Pollux we adopted very different approaches.

Our perspectives and services make markets. As in the example of Messeturm and Pollux, they reshape perceptions and the attractiveness of properties in the regional tenant market, as well as those of international investors.