The first phase of construction, completed on March 13, was celebrated in the presence of Mayor Dr. Wolfgang Reiniger as dignitaries representing the Arcandor, ECE and Union Investment project partners cut the ceremonial blue ribbon. Area residents had waited a long time for this very moment and we documented this exciting event on video for you.

Take a step back into the Limbecker Platz Center’s recent past by clicking on the thumbnail to play the video.

Phase II: Downtown Essen gets a facelift.
The dilapidated building once housing the former Althoff department store was imploded on June 1. Sections of the sandstone façade were removed prior to the demolition and will be incorporated into the design of the new construction.

Our journey through time continues with a time-lapse view of Phase II. Watch the old Karstadt store being imploded to make way for the new and modern.