Renovation work at the Hugendubel bookstore on Steinweg in Frankfurt has been successfully completed. The branch, considered the largest in the book retailer's network, will present a revised spatial design and updated thematic areas to visitors from 31st July. Since its opening in 1990, the bookstore has established itself as one of Germany's most traditional. The measures aimed to modernise the location while preserving the established character of the premises.
At the core of the renovation was the further development of the existing branch concept. This included a refocus on customer needs, a contemporary aesthetic, and a stronger emphasis on specific thematic areas. Despite significant structural changes, the reading islands in the atrium were retained and upgraded in their design. Particular attention was given to areas such as 'Romance', 'Manga & Comic', and 'English Books', each receiving an individual design approach. Furthermore, the Hesse shop was restaged to accentuate regional products and themes more strongly.
Integration and History at the Location
A key element of the redesign is the renamed café, which now operates under the name 'Henris Bistro'. This naming honours Heinrich 'Henri' Hugendubel, who founded the Frankfurt branch in 1990 and managed the family business in its fourth generation until 2003 before handing it over to his children Nina and Maximilian Hugendubel. The bistro's interior design combines the history of the location with an expanded culinary offering and aims to establish itself as a regular meeting point in Frankfurt city centre.
Nina Hugendubel, managing partner of Hugendubel, commented on the branch's reorientation, emphasising that the Steinweg branch embodies the combination of tradition and future design. She highlighted that her father conceived the location 36 years ago and that this place holds special significance for the family. The goal is to link the building's history with an updated appearance and lead the location into a new era as a central hub for book lovers.
Construction and Future Strategy
The construction work commenced on 23rd April this year while the store remained operational. By organising the work in phases across all four floors, the bookstore could stay open throughout the entire renovation process. Key aspects of the measures included the resource-efficient use of materials and respectful handling of the historic building fabric. The defining building structure was consciously preserved. This enabled the creation of a modern space for literature and culture, integrating the building's history while meeting current requirements for a future-proof bookstore.
The Schwitzke Gruppe, comprising Schwitzke & Partner, Schwitzke ID, and Schwitzke Project, was responsible for the creative development and practical implementation of the renovation. Nina Hugendubel underlined the long-standing cooperation with the Schwitzke Gruppe and emphasised their shared understanding of creating inviting spaces that offer guidance and preserve the identity of bookstores. The Hugendubel branch on Steinweg, which has been restructured and designed across approximately 3,000 square metres on four floors, continues to serve as a central destination for book fans. Hugendubel thereby reaffirms its investment in the future of physical bookstores and stresses the importance of locations that combine stories, encounters, and inspiration.
