New shock in Zwickau: Facade shines after three years of renovation!
On June 27, 2025, the first progress in the renovation of the historic Schocken department store in Zwickau became visible.

New shock in Zwickau: Facade shines after three years of renovation!
There is reason to be happy in Zwickau: On Friday, the first scaffolding fell on the former “Schocken” department store, and the newly designed facade is finally visible. After more than three years of intensive construction work, the building now shines in a fresh shine. You can see the facade made of travertine, an elegant natural stone that comes from a quarry near Gera. It has been lovingly renovated from the first floor to the roof, while the ground floor remains with the old, reclaimed travertine. The historic “Schocken” logo is visible here again, reminiscent of the glorious times of the department store, which opened in 1901 and was in operation until 1999. Since then, the building has been largely empty and in desperate need of a refresh. This is reported by Radio Zwickau.
But that's not all: hotel rooms will be built in the future rooms behind the new facade, and a new REWE City will be moving in on the ground floor. In total, GP Papenburg Hochbau GmbH, which acts as an investor, is investing an impressive 33 million euros in the project, which can be realized thanks to federal and state funding. This comprehensive revitalization aims to adapt historic buildings for modern use and create an attractive combination of retail, office space and living space. According to [Zwickau.de].
From revitalization to sustainability
The revitalization of the Schocken department store not only represents a new economic beginning, but also sustainable urban development. This approach goes beyond simple renovation and aims to combine economic success and the preservation of cultural values. By renewing building technology and adapting room structures, energy consumption is reduced at the same time. This means that modern insulation, heating and ventilation technology significantly reduces energy consumption. The integration of modern technologies into listed buildings is a forward-looking concept - and not just for Zwickau. Projects of this type are often financially more advantageous than demolishing and building a new one, as Runkelbau explains.
The significance of the Schocken department store as a cultural monument in the Free State of Saxony makes revitalization all the more important. The building was not only a landmark of Zwickau, but also plays a crucial role in the city's history. With the renovation, the city will succeed in preserving its historic appearance while at the same time creating a lively urban space.
The ceremonial inauguration of the revitalized Schocken area is planned for mid-September. Until then, the new hotel rooms and retail areas will provide a breath of fresh air in the city and usher in a new era for the historic department store, which is important not only for tourists but also for the citizens of Zwickau. Not only is a new center of trade being created here, but also a social space that invites you to linger.