Municipality and property owners seek to maintain the structure on Brüderstraße
Halle (Saale) to Preserve 16th-Century Timber-Framed Building
The city of Halle (Saale) has announced its intention to save the preservable structure of the historic "Market Economy" building located at Brüderstraße 7. Following a significant incident on July 18, 2025, parts of the structure were classified as unstable, prompting immediate safety measures and temporary closure of the surrounding area.
René Rebenstorf, the city councilor responsible for urban development, environment, and security, has made a statement about the city's commitment to preserving the building. The owner of the property, who has a long-developed overall concept that includes adjacent properties, has also expressed a wish to incorporate the protected building into this concept.
A controlled demolition is planned, prioritizing the salvage of historical construction and building elements. Salvaged parts from the demolition will be stored for future reconstruction. The relevant authorities will coordinate and supervise the corresponding work.
Discussions are ongoing among local heritage preservation bodies, the city administration, and conservation experts regarding the reconstruction or restoration of Brüderstraße 7. The goal is to balance historical authenticity with modern safety standards. The city administration and the owner of the property have agreed on this goal.
Following the incident, the Halle (Saale) city council issued directives mandating a detailed structural evaluation before any reconstruction can begin. Public consultations and expert hearings have been part of the process to decide on approaches to restoration, funding, and future use of the building.
During the consultation held on July 30, 2025, the stability of the roof and upper floor of the building, as well as the partial demolition order issued previously, were discussed. The city intends to enforce a complementary reconstruction of the house according to historical models.
For the latest updates on the incident, official statements, reconstruction timelines, or the nature of the event, checking the latest updates from the Halle city administration or local heritage preservation office is recommended.
Other discussions have arisen regarding the potential adaptation of the saved historical elements from the building into a home-improvement or home-and-garden lifestyle project. The city's long-term vision for Brüderstraße 7 includes its restoration, preserving its 16th-century timber-framed structure, as a testament to Halle's (Saale) cultural heritage, and as a unique other addition to the city's urban development.
