Renovations completed at 'Paradome Potsdam'

In the heart of Potsdam, the historic building known as "Paradome Potsdam" has undergone a significant transformation. The renovation project, which began before it was taken over by DRIVEN Investment in 2021, was the work of Bollinger + Fehlig Architekten, collaborating with UndKraussConsult and Kniepkamp Architekten.

The locomotive assembly hall, originally built between 1898 and 1899 by the Drewitz factory of the Orenstein & Koppel company, was initially used for the production of locomotives until 1976, and for refrigeration equipment and cranes until 1992. Despite the final closure of production, the hexagonal brick building with the distinctive Schwedler dome remained standing.

The renovation project saw the old shed roof construction of steel replaced with a steel-concrete roof, and the creation of an underground garage with 118 parking spaces and additional bicycle storage facilities. The historic brick facade was retained and supplemented with new window openings, while a single-story building was inserted under the 20-meter-high Schwedler dome, featuring a roof that is accessible.

The Main Customs Office Potsdam will occupy approximately 540 workstations in the renovated building, which offers around 16,000 square meters of office space. The renovation also included the creation of archive spaces, meeting rooms, and storage rooms, as well as a new foyer.

The new roof references the original form while interpreting it anew, and most of the newly created spaces have daylight. The Lok-Zirkus in Potsdam-Babelsberg has also been completely renovated as part of the project.

The renovation of Paradome Potsdam was awarded a special prize by the Brownfield Award in 2024, recognising the significant transformation and preservation of the building's historical character. The Federal Agency for Real Estate has since rented Paradome Potsdam for use by the Main Customs Office.

The former driveway now serves as the main entrance to Paradome Potsdam, welcoming visitors to this remarkable example of modern renovation and historical preservation.