The historic Gütermann site in Breisgau is under new management. The property, with a total area of around 8.6 hectares, spans the two municipal districts of Gutach im Breisgau and Waldkirch. The purchaser of the self-contained industrial ensemble is G1867 GmbH & Co. KG, a joint venture between Heidehof Stiftung and B&W Investment GmbH. The brokerage of the site was handled by the Freiburg im Breisgau-based estate agency Hecker Real Estate Investment, which advised both the buyer and the seller throughout the transaction process.
Since 1867, the extensive grounds have served as the central production site for the renowned sewing thread manufacturer Gütermann. Significant parts of the industrial building stock are listed as historical monuments and continue to shape the regional landscape decisively to this day. All parties involved agreed to maintain confidentiality regarding the agreed purchase price and further contractual terms.
Concept for sensitive neighbourhood development
The new owners aim to gradually transform the site into a mixed-use neighbourhood over the coming years. The plans envisage permanently securing the historic fabric of the buildings and opening the site up to diverse uses. A combination of the following elements is planned:
- —Space for traditional commercial and trade businesses
- —Premises for social enterprises and cultural initiatives
- —Creation of staff housing
- —Realisation of communal living concepts
David Hecker, owner of the brokering firm Hecker Real Estate Investment, regards the transaction as a particular challenge. An industrial site of this scale and historic significance was by no means a standard transaction. The distribution across two municipal areas, the strict heritage protection requirements and the sensitive local environment required an acquirer with a long-term perspective and strong regional roots. He noted that the acquiring company G1867 met these criteria precisely.
Regional market expertise in the south-west
From its Freiburg office, advisory firm Hecker Real Estate Investment concentrates on brokering commercial properties as well as mixed residential and commercial buildings across South Baden and the wider federal state of Baden-Württemberg. The conclusion of the transaction for the Gütermann site paves the way for the forward-looking repurposing of one of the region's most historic industrial estates.
