Design statutes adopted for Bürgel town center

A juxtaposition of narrow alleyways with half-timbered buildings and grid-shaped streets lined with Wilhelminian-style buildings characterize the unmistakable Bürgel townscape. Despite numerous interventions and major alterations, Bürgel is an area that is important in terms of identity, culture and architectural history. As early as the public participation phase of the "Vibrant Centers" urban development program, it became clear that safeguarding Bürgel's town center is of great importance. To this end, a design statute was included as a measure in the urban development concept. The city of Offenbach has therefore now drawn up a corresponding statute for the center of Bürgel. It is to be adopted by the city councillors on September 15, 2022.

"The statute is the appropriate legal instrument to preserve, secure and adequately design the townscape and building fabric of Bürgel's town center. With the individual regulations, we want to ensure the positive perception of buildings and streets and counteract undesirable developments. A harmonious arrangement and design of advertising structures also makes the town center attractive for citizens and visitors," explains town councillor Paul-Gerhard Weiß. The bylaws specify a series of binding regulations on the design of buildings, roofs, façades, window and door openings, advertising structures, open spaces and outdoor facilities as well as technical installations. "The regulations have been balanced with regard to contemporary living and supply requirements as well as current efforts for climate protection and sustainable internal development in order to establish an appropriate design standard for the future," explains Councillor Weiß.

The implementation of the statutes will be accompanied by the "Vibrant Centers" funding program and its measures. In future, owners will be supported professionally by a district architect, who is expected to start work in the autumn, and financially by an incentive program that will start in the winter. In addition, the city of Offenbach is planning various municipal measures as part of the funding program to safeguard and enhance the appearance of the town and to ensure the sustainable and high-quality development of the town center. However, the statutes are also intended to have a positive effect on the townscape beyond the duration of the funding program and secure it in the long term.