15.08.2006
In May 2005, Drees & Sommer Berlin was commissioned by the Berlin Volksbank to control the remodeling and rehabilitation of the former Metropol-Theater - also known as the Admiralspalast - in Freidrichstrasse. The Admiralspalast is one of the few remaining large entertainment venues from the turn of the century. As in earlier times, it features a theater with 1600 seats, concert rooms and galleries, the Grand Café, a restaurant, a club, and a steam bath with the original Jugendstil ambience.
The challenge of the renovation was to harmonize the bank's interest in economic use of funds with the Owner's innovative ideas. Despite extreme cost and time pressure, a pneumatic system was developed for moving the rows of seats.
The courtyard ceiling was renovated at the beginning of the year and the theater roof was reinforced with new steel trusses. New building services equipment was installed in the basement levels. The Admiral's Club and the Admiral's Baths reopen in winter.
