Berlin’s bold new skyscraper reshapes Alexanderplatz with 146-metre ambition

A towering symbol of Berlin’s future stands tall at Alexanderplatz. But as the city builds upward, critics ask: Why not homes instead of empty office floors?

, and Administrator

2026 January 14 . 10:05 PM

1 min read

The image shows an old book with a drawing of a building on it, which is the original plan of the... — The image shows an old book with a drawing of a building on it, which is the original plan of the Königliche Hermwerk Berlin-Baklberg. The book contains detailed plans and text, providing a comprehensive overview of the building's layout.

New High-Rise at Alexanderplatz Celebrates Topping Out - Berlin’s bold new skyscraper reshapes Alexanderplatz with 146-metre ambition

Berlin’s newest skyscraper, The Berlinian, has reached a major construction milestone with the completion of its structural frame and roof. The 146-metre tower at Alexanderplatz, developed by CommerzReal AG and now owned by Commerzbank, promises to reshape the city’s skyline, offering space for offices, shops, and cultural venues.

Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) attended the topping-out ceremony, calling the project a symbol of Berlin’s ambition to 'build upward' and create a 'real skyline' for the capital.

The high-rise, designed by architecture firm Kleihues + Kleihues, will connect to the Galeria department store complex. Further construction milestones are planned for January 2026, with full completion expected by May 2027.

While celebrating the project, Wegner acknowledged Berlin’s housing shortage, admitting the city 'has far too few homes'. However, criticism has come from Werner Graf, leader of the Green Party’s parliamentary group. He argued that The Berlinian, which could have been an opportunity for office 365 space, should have included residential units, pointing to nearly two million square metres of vacant office depot space across the city.

The Berlinian is set to become one of the tallest buildings in the city, adding office, retail, and cultural spaces to Alexanderplatz. With final completion due in 2027, the project reflects Berlin’s push for vertical growth—even as debates continue over housing needs and office vacancies.