Reconstruction of the Bürgeler Reichstag with a striking column begins in the middle of the second quarter

The Offenbach City Council yesterday decided to redesign the "Reichstag" in the Bürgeler Mainvorgelände area. The aging site is to be revitalized and its historical significance restored. Construction work is scheduled to begin in the middle of the second quarter following a call for tenders. The central design element will be an artistically designed pillar to commemorate the history.

The "Reichstag" in Bürgel is a place of historical relevance: In 1018, an imperial assembly was held here under Emperor Henry II. However, the current design of the square, which measures around 300 square meters, hardly does justice to this reference, and there is little evidence of an appropriate division of use for the open space. The local association "Pro Bürgel e.V." therefore developed initial proposals for a redesign back in 2017. After implementation was initially put on hold for financial reasons, the launch of the urban development funding program "Lebendige Zentren: Mitte machen - Bieber und Bürgel" in 2024 enabled new plans to be drawn up.

It aims to make the historical significance of the location visible. It was developed by the landscape planning office Ulrike Stockert with the participation of interested Bürgel residents - for example at a workshop at the end of 2024 or most recently at the meeting of the local partnership in November 2025. In future, a semi-circular arrangement of hedges and seating elements will commemorate the historic Imperial Assembly. At the same time, a deliberate opening of the hedge will create a new visual axis to the Main, which should significantly increase the quality of stay and social control within the area. Accessibility is ensured by paving the area to the new seating. In addition, three new trees will be planted in the area in front of the Main, further enriching the natural environment.

The centerpiece of the redesign is a sculpturally designed column. This will bear two facsimiles with a copy of a chronicle of the Imperial Diet of that time, donated and financed by several citizens of Bürgel. Further information on the history and a translation can be found on an additional information board. The master stonemason Stefan Schneider from Offenbach was chosen to design the column. The selection of the design for this column is the result of a preliminary competition among local stonemasons. A jury made up of Bürgel residents and representatives of the local authorities was able to choose from five submitted proposals. The decisive factors for this decision were the convincing design and successful placement of the facsimile. The "Pro Bürgel e.V." association has promised to help finance the pillar, which is further evidence of the strong civic commitment to this project.

Head of office Ron Reck is impressed by the special location and commented on the redesign: "We are of course aware of the importance of the Reichstag for Bürgel. It is therefore good that the planning within the framework of the funding program has now progressed so far in recent months that nothing stands in the way of implementing the measure. Furthermore, the idea of integrating a small competition of local stonemasons into the project was a complete success and has challenged everyone involved."

The final planning documents and tenders for the construction work are currently being drawn up. Construction is scheduled to begin in the middle of the second quarter, with completion expected by the end of July 2026.

Further information is available at www.offenbach.de/mitte-machen or by email from the core area management team at mitte-machen-manageroffenbachde