Foundation stone laid for Protestant Association for Development and Social Welfare

The formation of the new Protestant Association for Development and Social Welfare - which combines the Diakonisches Werk (the social welfare organization of the Protestant Church in Germany) and the Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (the Protestant Church's development service) - has come a step closer with the laying of the foundation stone in Caroline-Michaelis-Straße in Central Berlin. Drees & Sommer Berlin has been supporting the two organizations since 2009.

The principal for the future Protestant Association for Development and Social Welfare is Hochtief Projektentwicklung, a Hochtief project development company. The office building will accommodate some 720 employees. Drees & Sommer Berlin will represent the future Protestant Association for Development and Social Welfare during lease negotiations.

The experts have been supporting the decision-making process since the beginning of 2009. "It was a long but very constructive process. We are very glad that we have now arrived at the point where - in the presence of project participants - we can lay the foundation stone for the new center. We have developed a solution that is excellent for all involved - and in particular is very economical and user-oriented," said Markus Weigold, Managing Director of Drees & Sommer Berlin.

Various solutions were been examined before the decision was taken to build a new headquarters for the Protestant Association for Development and Social Welfare. Initially, Drees & Sommer drew up a usage profile and examined and compared various lease offers and development scenarios. The experts then managed the investor search and assessment process as well as the architect selection process, and advised on lease arrangements and conducted lease agreement negotiations. They also mediated between the principal and the tenant, reviewed planning and advised on facility management services.

Drees & Sommer's interdisciplinary team had representatives from various units on board, including experts for Green Building and facility management consulting.

"One of our client's key goals was to occupy a building with a Gold certification from DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council) with very economical energy consumption and minimum running costs," said Markus Weigold.

During the construction phase, Drees & Sommer Berlin will be responsible for quality controlling, cost and schedule monitoring, as well as for change and supplementary claims management. The company will also represent the interests of the tenant. The building is scheduled to be completed in September 2012.

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