Weissfrauenstrasse 1–3 will be the location of the new Crespo Haus, which is set to be the headquarters and central hub of the Crespo Foundation as well as a venue where the people of Frankfurt can come together. The topping-out ceremony took place on Thursday, 28 Sept. 2023. The original commercial building was constructed by architect Ferdinand Kramer between the Schauspiel theatre and the Römer city hall in 1955/1957. Now it has been sensitively renovated and converted in accordance with plans by Schmidt Ploecker architects.

The architecture is both striking and welcoming, complying with listed building regulations while also establishing a connection between different eras and people. Although the renovation of the facade remains true to the original 1950s structure, an extension will add new features and open up the building to the medieval Carmelite monastery and the hustle and bustle of the city via a wide open-air staircase, which leads to the large subterranean events hall. This is where artists, the general public, project participants, guests and institutional partners can all come together in a venue for art, cultural education and social projects – entirely in the spirit of our founder, Ulrike Crespo. Offices and workshop spaces will be located on the upper storeys. 

The move into the new premises is scheduled for the first half of 2024. The Crespo Foundation has purchased the building and been granted the leasehold to the site for 23 years from the City of Frankfurt. After the lease expires, the property will be returned to the city while retaining its cultural function.

‘The interior still has to be fitted out, but one thing is already clear: the architects have done a wonderful job in restoring the delicate charm of both buildings, and I can only congratulate the Crespo Foundation on the absolute gem being recreated here. At the same time, both renovated buildings will change the appeal of the Carmelite monastery; the modern building will open up the medieval jewel to the urban bustle and bring even more life to this part of the historic centre of Frankfurt.’ Dr. Ina Hartwig, city councillor for culture and science