It is a gem dating back to Imperial Germany, and an asset to Berlin as architectural landmark: Riehmers Hofgarten.
At the time, Wilhelm Riehmer let his courage and visionary zeal as builder inspire him to bypass the urban planning standards of his day in favour of upscale liveability. Rather than sticking with the dense development of tenements grouped around tiny courtyards, the master builder in 1891/1892 used a plot he owned to create a magnificent ensemble elegantly embedded in a park-style garden.
The baroque-revival complex of buildings with its decorative style elements is one of Berlin’s heritage sites. With lavish attention to detail and the diligence of a heritage curator, buildings and outside facilities have now been largely restored to their erstwhile splendour. The sublime façade presents itself with bright structures whereas the staircases inside are dominated by warm earthy colours. Doors, windows and handrails were also overhauled and pay homage to the original designs. Partially uncovered frescoes recall the aesthetics of bygone times.
To meet sophisticated expectations, modern-day quality was seamlessly integrated. The lighting system as well as the bell and video intercom system complete the authentic design by adding upscale state-of-the-art technology. Water supply lines and waste water pipes were replaced, while heating and electrical installations were either upgraded or replaced.
The eleven entranceways are named after scions of the Hohenzollern dynasty. The entranceway at Grossbeerenstrasse 56 E, which is called “Elisabeth,” admits you on the ground floor to a commercial unit of 60 square metres whose premises would work well as an office or doctor’s surgery.
As part of the building community, the occupier of the commercial unit and staff have the use of the attractive courtyard garden whose groomed trails, picnic lawns, boule court and playground offer various options for taking breaks, hanging out and comparing notes.

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