Main East Side Lofts exterior in Frankfurt by 1100 Architect, showing restored neoclassical red-brick façade alongside a modern folded cement-fiberboard addition with mansard roof and bold yellow window reveals.

Main East Side Lofts

Located near Frankfurt’s East Harbor, this mixed-use project restores a partially completed neoclassical building and pairs it with a contemporary twin. The new structure mirrors the original’s volume, mansard roofline, and rhythmic proportions, creating a cohesive ensemble. At the same time, its folded facade and bold color palette express a distinctly modern character. Generous ceiling heights in both wings accommodate light-filled residential and commercial spaces. Together, the restored and new volumes honor historical continuity while marking evolution within a rapidly-developing district.

Corner perspective of the Main East Side Lofts, highlighting the angular white facade with recessed yellow accents, large windows, and integration into the historic urban fabric.
Street-facing view of the Main East Side Lofts, featuring a rhythmic facade of large windows with angled yellow insets set into a geometric white exterior.
Architectural floor plan of the Main East Side Lofts showing the building’s dynamic geometric rooflines and structural layout in fine linework.
Close-up of East Side Lofts’ facade in Frankfurt, highlighting geometric window frames with bold yellow recesses that animate the gray exterior panels.
Courtyard view of the East Side Lofts in Frankfurt, featuring a mix of historic and modern facades with glass balconies and a landscaped central garden.
Spacious rooftop terrace with glass railing, wooden deck, and angular dormer structure, overlooking city rooftops, cranes, and riverfront industrial landscape.
Large triangular window opens to a private rooftop terrace with wood decking, outdoor seating, and expansive city views under a clear sky.
Bright loft living space with full-height windows, wood flooring, and a dining table overlooking the river at Main East Side Lofts.
Open-plan loft interior with modern staircase, wooden floors, dining table, and bold accent walls in red and yellow at Main East Side Lofts.
Bright loft kitchen with long wood dining table and orange chairs.
Loft dining area with exposed beams, wood stair, and colorful artwork.

Awards: AIANY Design Awards, Multifamily Residential, Merit Award, 2017
ARCHITECT Magazine, Residential Architect Design Awards, Multifamily Housing, Citation, 2016
Publications: Pepchinski, Mary. “Soul Sister: A new structure completes an unfinished century-old building by replicating its scale and adding some funk.” Architectural Record, September 2016.
Foer, Kristina. Wohnen. Urban und gemeinschaftlich. Deutscher Architektur Verlag, 2016.
“Alternativen zur Mole.” Frankfurter Rundschau, July 7, 2010.
Arnold, Andreas. “Im Osthafen stimmt das Gesamtpaket.” Frankfurter Rundschau, August 29, 2009.
Kremers, Patrick. “Die Perle soll wieder glänzen.” Frankfurter Rundschau, August 25, 2009.

Minimalist wooden staircase with skylight and orchid detail.
Modern loft workspace with angled ceiling, exposed beams, and arched window.

Typology: Multi Residential
Services: New Buildings, Renovation, Historic Buildings
Status: Completed
Size: 160000 SF
Location: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Design Team: Principal-in-Charge: Juergen Riehm, FAIA, BDA, Principal: David Piscuskas, FAIA, LEED AP, Project Manager: Gunter Weyrich Dipl. Ing. Architect
Kfw 70 / Denkmal EnEV – Certified
Photography: © NIKOLAS KOENIG

East Side Lofts in Frankfurt with white façades accented by bold yellow window frames, contemporary architecture overlooking the river.

Awards: AIANY Design Awards, Multifamily Residential, Merit Award, 2017
ARCHITECT Magazine, Residential Architect Design Awards, Multifamily Housing, Citation, 2016
Publications: Pepchinski, Mary. “Soul Sister: A new structure completes an unfinished century-old building by replicating its scale and adding some funk.” Architectural Record, September 2016.
Foer, Kristina. Wohnen. Urban und gemeinschaftlich. Deutscher Architektur Verlag, 2016.
“Alternativen zur Mole.” Frankfurter Rundschau, July 7, 2010.
Arnold, Andreas. “Im Osthafen stimmt das Gesamtpaket.” Frankfurter Rundschau, August 29, 2009.
Kremers, Patrick. “Die Perle soll wieder glänzen.” Frankfurter Rundschau, August 25, 2009.

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