"Alexanderplatz's TV tower demolished sparks outrage among the public"
In the heart of Berlin, a new high-rise tower has been causing quite a stir. Standing at 146 meters tall, it now blocks a popular sightline to the iconic TV Tower, a symbol of the city.
Hermann Habich, a key figure in the construction of the TV Tower 60 years ago, expresses his disappointment at the new building obscuring the view. The high-rise, situated near the Galeria department store in Berlin-Mitte, was originally planned to be 134 meters high but has been extended twice, reaching its current height.
The project developer, Commerz Real, increased the height of the high-rise from 134 meters to 146 meters due to not meeting the specified gross floor area of 42,000 square meters. This decision has not sat well with many Berliners.
Stephan Schmidt (64) from Hamburg, along with other residents such as Peter and Sabine Brosch from Mahlsdorf, share Habich's concerns. They feel a sense of disrespect towards those who built the TV Tower that the view of it is now blocked by a new building.
Petra (72) and Eddi Bierstedt (73) from Mitte believe that the Alexanderplatz is losing its charm with the high-rise projects. They recall their experiences with the Alex, expressing that they found the new Alex a beautiful place, but prefer the World Clock over the current building.
Inka Bause, a moderator and singer from East Berlin, sometimes longs for Charlottenburg and avoids the Alexanderplatz due to the new high-rise. The debate about the monument status of the former Sports and Recreation Center, which is under review despite plans for demolition up to 2028, adds to the controversy.
However, not everyone shares the same sentiments. Charlotte Bachmann (83) is indifferent to whether the TV Tower is still visible or not. Some visitors from outside express confusion about the high-rise construction between the department store and the TV Tower, but others see it as a symbol of Berlin's modern growth.
The building administration under Senator Christian Gaebler (SPD) tolerated the changes and adjusted the urban planning agreements. Despite concerns about the creation of office spaces in the high-rise, as expressed by the Bierstedts, there are enough empty office spaces in the city.
The TV Tower, officially opened on October 6, 1969, the eve of the 20th anniversary of the GDR's founding, continues to stand as a beacon of Berlin's history. As the city evolves, the balance between preserving its past and embracing its future remains a topic of ongoing discussion.
