Acquisition at Hackescher Markt

SPAYCE | Hackescher Markt

We are pleased to announce that SPAYCE has acquired a new property at Hackescher Markt. Hardly any location is so precisely positioned: The property is located directly on the axis between Hackescher Markt and Museum Island.

History – From Baroque urban space to urban hub

Hackescher Markt was created in the 18th century as part of Frederick the Great's urban expansion and was named after the Berlin city commander Hans Christoph Friedrich von Hacke. The area belonged to Spandauer Vorstadt one of the earliest planned urban districts outside the medieval city walls.

In the 19th century, the quarter developed into one of Berlin's densest urban areas. Characteristic were the so-called "courtyard structures" deeply staggered plots of land with front houses, side wings, and rear houses. The Hackesche Höfe, built at the beginning of the 20th century, are still considered one of the most important examples of this building type and mark the transition from industrial use to mixed-use commercial and cultural spaces.

During the Nazi era and especially in World War II, the area suffered damage, but its basic structure remained intact compared to other parts of Berlin. During the GDR era, the quarter increasingly fell into disrepair, but at the same time, due to its location in the East Berlin center, it was not completely abandoned.

After reunification, one of Berlin's most significant urban renewals began: the Hackesche Höfe were elaborately restored, old buildings renovated, and the quarter developed into one of the capital's first true urban lifestyle hotspots.

Transformation – From trendy district to international retail location

Since the early 2000s, Hackescher Markt has evolved from an alternative trendy district into one of Berlin's most established high street locations. This transformation is characterized by an increasing professionalization of retail and the entry of international brands.

Notable developments include the settlement of global players such as Apple, which has a prominent store in the immediate vicinity. Brands from the Inditex group such as Oysho have also occupied the location with flagship-oriented concepts, underlining the shift towards a curated, brand-driven retail structure.

Hackescher Markt clearly distinguishes itself structurally from classic shopping streets. Unlike typical high-street locations, the quarter is not primarily dominated by large-scale chain stores, but rather by a mix of international labels, independent designers, and curated concept stores. Especially smaller, design-oriented brands and local labels deliberately find a place here outside the mainstream, which makes the location one of the most important sites for "non-mainstream retail" in Berlin.

This positioning is also reflected in the gastronomy. Around Hackescher Markt, a wide, qualitatively differentiated offer has developed, ranging from classic restaurants to modern, specialized food concepts. The high density of cafés, restaurants, and food options combined with tourist frequency and local demand ensures an exceptionally lively mix of uses and makes the location one of the most important meeting points for urban gastronomy in Berlin.