City and concerned parties aim to preserve and secure structures at Brothers Street 7
Historic Building in Halle (Saale) to be Preserved Following Collapse
The historic building known as the former "Marktwirtschaft" at Brüderstraße 7 in Halle (Saale) has suffered a partial wall collapse in July 2025, causing concern among locals and preservationists alike. The listed half-timbered house, dating back to the 16th century, saw parts of its northern gable wall fall down, leading to the closure of nearby Kleine Steinstraße for pedestrian safety.
Despite repeated orders for securing measures, the owner had not completed one critical structural stabilization of the roof and eaves area, which eventually collapsed. A historic preservation order related to this part was issued but not yet enforced at the time of the incident.
Following the collapse and public concern, the city of Halle and the property owner reached an agreement to preserve the protected building. Plans are now to repair and reconstruct the building according to its historic original appearance, avoiding demolition. The city and owner decided against a planned urgent demolition and instead favor rebuilding in line with historic preservation principles.
Currently, efforts are underway to develop a comprehensive concept to secure and stabilize the remaining structure, especially the damaged northern wall, to ensure the building's safety before restoration continues. This consultation and planning process involve both city authorities and the owner, with the aim of determining the best approach for further handling, preservation, and reconstruction of this notable historic building in Halle's old town.
The consultation was attended by owners/builder representatives, actors from volunteer associations, representatives of the Landesamt für Denkmalpflege und Archäologie Sachsen-Anhalt, and members of the city council factions. The incident of 18 July 2025, the stability of the roof and upper floor, and the partial dismantling order were discussed at the consultation.
The city of Halle intends to enforce a complementary reconstruction of the house according to historical models, as stated by René Rebenstorf, city councilor for urban development, environment, and security. The owner of the building has also confirmed their intention to continue with their long-developed overall concept, which includes the listed building at Brüderstraße 7.
Salvaged parts from the building will be stored for future reconstruction, while the coordination and supervision of the salvage work will be handled by the relevant heritage authorities. No timeline for the preservation and reconstruction of the building was provided in the article, nor was any new information provided about the owner's overall concept. However, it is clear that both the city and the owner are committed to preserving this significant piece of Halle's history.
The city and the owner have decided to maintain the historic building, planning to restore it in alignment with its original appearance, avoiding demolition. With the owner's intention to continue work on their long-developed concept, investments in real-estate and finance will be crucial for the preservation and reconstruction of the listed half-timbered house in Halle's old town.
The city councilor for urban development, environment, and security, René Rebenstorf, affirmed the city's intention to reconstruct the house according to historical models, demonstrating the city's commitment to maintaining and preserving the building's integrity – an important aspect of Halle's rich history.
