On Sunday 13 September, the courtyard at Mainzer Straße 109–111 played host to a celebration: Saarland’s residential property company WOGE Saar invited the neighbourhood to a party. They have been converting the former tax office building into a modern residential and office complex since last year. Work is now proceeding full speed ahead – making some level of noise unavoidable. This neighbourhood party was an opportunity for the company to thank locals for their understanding and positive cooperation during the construction phase.
The structure is being entirely gutted, with its interior redeveloped and comprehensively modernised. This is not always entirely easy for people living in the area. ‘Although the contractors involved are making every effort, disruption is sometimes unavoidable during the construction phase’, WOGE Saar’s CEO Mirco Bertucci said on Sunday afternoon. ‘Given this, we are even more delighted that the locals have been so understanding about the work conducted thus far. We are hugely grateful for this. After all, a large initiative like this works best when everyone pulls together.’
State Secretary of Building Torsten Lang as WOGE’s Chairman of the Board: ‘Through projects like these, WOGE is also taking responsibility for implementing the state’s housing policy goals and playing a specific role in expanding the supply of subsidised housing. In addition, revitalising this building will help to rejuvenate and enhance the entire district. This is something I very much welcome!’
Celebrate on Sunday, hammer on Monday
Numerous locals accepted the invitation. These included young families, whose children were having so much fun that they nearly forgot about the sausage dinner. They were captivated by magician Benji Wiebe’s spectacular show, with opportunities to take part themselves. In the meantime, the ‘oldies’ enjoyed a barbecue and a chat.
Simone Lorenz, a young mother, was very relaxed about the construction work. ‘I have to say, sometimes there’s lots of hammering and occasionally I get a bit of dust on the balcony. But ultimately, we know that they’ll be finished by four. So today’s neighbourhood party is a really nice gesture by WOGE – a delicious and entertaining break for all of us!’
Construction work
Interior construction is currently proceeding gradually from the sixth floor down to the ground floor. The technical building equipment trades (technical installations) and the interior plastering and drywall works are in full swing. The new windows have already been installed in the façade. Screed work has also begun on the sixth floor. This is being carried out in sections and then floor by floor.
The building, which has been empty since 2022, was acquired from the state by WOGE Saar in December 2024. A total of 49 apartments will be built across six floors, with a total living space of around 3,300 m². 28 of these will be equipped to be accessible or age-appropriate. Around 1,300 m2 of living space is being publicly subsidised, meaning that WOGE Saar is making nearly 40% of the floor space into socially affordable housing. The building is expected to be completed in 2027. WOGE’s Saarbrücken >> customer centre will move also in at that point.
