“You say it can’t be done? That’s exactly when I get started.”
With these words, Oliver Blume described his approach to one of the region’s most exciting construction projects at the recent Hannover Real Estate Partners Meet Friends event: the transformation of Hannover’s VW Tower into affordable living space.
In his impassioned keynote, Blume offered exclusive insights into the development of his ambitious plan. His motivation was clear:
“If someone tells me something’s impossible, I take that as my cue. That’s when I get going — I start looking for ways no one’s considered before to create something truly unique. That’s exactly what this tower should become. Hannover doesn’t have many landmarks, and we should treat the ones we have with creativity.”
The Concept: Affordable, Thoughtful Living Spaces with Character
Blume’s plan is to redesign the lower portion of the VW Tower while preserving the building’s iconic silhouette. The focus is on affordable housing units that deliver high living standards within just 25 square meters — inspired by modern tiny-house designs known for their smart use of space and efficiency.
But the tower is meant to be more than just a place to live. Community areas, gardens, and event spaces are planned to transform the site into a vibrant meeting point — attracting not only new residents but also enriching the local neighborhood.
Hannover’s Real Estate Sector in Dialogue
The event not only provided a fascinating glimpse into the VW Tower’s future but also demonstrated the cooperative spirit within Hannover’s real estate industry. Alongside Interhomes AG and Weser Wohnbau, Engel & Völkers Commercial Hannover took part in hosting the event for the first time.
With good food and inspiring conversations, the evening ended with a panoramic view of Hannover’s skyline — where the VW Tower could soon shine again as a revitalized city symbol. There is hope that the project will receive strong support from municipal authorities. The transformation of the VW Tower would not only be an architectural achievement, but a clear message: Hannover can be modern, creative, and affordable.
We are excited to follow the progress of this project and look forward to seeing how this chapter of urban history is rewritten.
