Leipzig and the Point of Contact of the European Trade
The building complex between Neumarkt, Universitätsstraße, Kupfergasse and Gewandhausgasse is situated in close proximity to the Old City Hall and the Market Square. Owing to this location it has witnessed Leipzig’s position as a major trade and cultural European metropolis since more than 500 years.
In fact, at the time when the Leipzig trade fair was switching over to a sample fair, the Städtisches Kaufhaus in Leipzig was the first sample fair building ever to be built.
Today, Leipzig is able to take up this historical past due to its geographical position near the new members of the European Union and their markets. The extension of the infrastructure, the airport and the fair are essential preconditions for Leipzig’s economic position. This has also been confirmed by the Fraunhofer Institute for East Europe, which decided on setting up its business in Leipzig.
The Städtisches Kaufhaus once housed the town library of Leipzig. However, in 1896 right after the rebuilding of the building’s North wing the first sample fair was carried out there. It proved to be an excellent location. Consequently, the other buildings situated around the area were pulled down, including the concert hall of the Gewandhaus, and the Städtisches Kaufhaus in its present shape was erected till 1904. Hence, the property has a long tradition in trade and communication.
The Städtisches Kaufhaus was built as a city palace and resembles the castles of the late baroque period in its use of outer forms. During World War II the building was severely damaged by bombs, but only parts of it were reconstructed when it was property of the city of Leipzig in GDR times. After the German reunion the building complex was purchased by a single investor and completely renovated between 1993 and 1996. At the beginning of 2004 finally, the REAL estate group bought the Städtisches Kaufhaus to have it revitalized.
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