"Every Monument Tells a Story!"
Interview with Christian Baierl, Managing Director of Renaissance Immobilien und Beteiligungen Aktiengesellschaft
Preserving historical buildings and leading them into the future is the guiding principle of Renaissance Immobilien und Beteiligungen AG. Under the leadership of Christian Baierl, the company has specialized in the revitalization of listed properties, transforming them into modern, livable spaces. In the interview, the president talks about challenges and sustainable urban development and explains why existing buildings are often a better alternative to new construction.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Baierl, you started your career as a bank clerk. How did your path lead to the real estate industry?
Christian Baierl: My entry was actually quite unusual. A well-known speaker once said that one should remember what they loved to do as a child. That made me think – and I remembered that as a child, I used to photograph buildings with a compact camera. I knew I wanted to do something with real estate. In 1996, I started acquiring and developing condominiums with two partners. In 1999, the focus on protected historical properties was added, and since 2013, our specialization has been almost exclusively on the renovation of historic buildings.
Wirtschaftsforum: Why the focus on protected historical properties?
Christian Baierl: We believe in the value of historic buildings. Each monument tells a story, it has character and an identity that is worth preserving. The largest producer of CO₂ is the construction industry – demolition and new construction cause immense emissions. Therefore, we focus on renovation instead of demolition: Renovating an existing building sustainably is more environmentally friendly than new construction. A professor from the University of Wuppertal once said: 'The most sustainable building is the one that has already been built.' This hits the core of our philosophy.
European Business: What special challenges does working with listed buildings entail?
Christian Baierl: Many associate heritage protection with restrictions and high requirements. We, on the other hand, understand the requirements and see them as an opportunity to preserve the character of a building. In some cases, we even exceed the legal requirements to maintain the historical charm. A good example is our Pfennig-Schumacher Werke (PSW) project, an old button factory in Wuppertal, which we have transformed into a modern residential concept with 37 apartments, a co-working space, and communal areas.
Wirtschaftsforum: Can you name other current projects?
Christian Baierl: A particularly exciting project is the former priest's seminary of the University of Bochum, which we are converting into a student residence. Here we are not only creating living space, but also learning environments with a special atmosphere - the desanctified chapel will serve as a study space in the future. The former lace factory in Wuppertal is also an example of sustainable repurposing - here we combine living and business in a historical building.
Wirtschaftsforum: How important is the social component in your projects?
Christian Baierl: Very important. Our buildings should not only provide apartments but also foster community. Many new buildings forego community-used spaces, while we consciously preserve them. Meeting spaces are essential – whether in a residential neighborhood or in a student dormitory. Viewing the factory as a village is a guiding principle that is reflected in many of our projects.
Wirtschaftsforum: How does Renaissance Real Estate differentiate itself from other real estate developers?
Christian Baierl: Firstly, through our specialization in historical preservation, and secondly through our sustainable and long-term thinking. We do not just buy buildings and sell them on – we manage our properties in the long term through our own property management. This allows us to know every property down to the last detail and maintain it optimally. Moreover, we rely on innovative usage concepts that offer both ecologically and socially sustainable solutions.
Wirtschaftsforum: What long-term goals do you pursue with your company?
Christian Baierl: We would like to expand our successful model to other regions. So far, we are active primarily in Wuppertal and the surrounding area, but we can well imagine realizing similar projects in other locations. Our goal is to demonstrate that sustainable urban development through the preservation of existing building stock is not only feasible but also economically attractive.
Wirtschaftsforum: Mr. Baierl, what personally drives you?
Christian Baierl: The passion for old buildings and the opportunity to contribute to sustainable urban development with our work. There is nothing more beautiful for me than to see a historic building that has been brought back to life through our work and has found a new purpose. That is the greatest reward for our work.