West of Schwerin’s Historic Old Town lies a district that symbolizes modern progress like few others: Weststadt.
This diverse neighborhood has evolved over the decades into a lively mix of residential and commercial buildings. Its most visible landmark is the Werner-Seelenbinder High-Rise, completed in 1963 as Schwerin’s first high-rise building, which continues to shape the skyline of the state capital.

The history of the high-rise is closely linked to the development of Weststadt. As one of the first high-rise buildings in all of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, it marked the beginning of a new architectural era in the region. What now appears as an iconic residential giant was originally built with a practical function in mind: it served as a chimney. The 30-meter-high core of the ten-story building once housed the heating system for the adjacent Sports and Congress Hall. This unusual combination makes the high-rise a unique architectural feature in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Another striking detail is the artistic wrought-iron design on the southern façade, depicting the motif "Man, Woman, and Sputnik," perfectly capturing the spirit of the early 1960s.
In 2012, the Schwerin Housing Company (WGS) undertook extensive modernization of the listed building. With an investment of 4 million euros, the high-rise was thoroughly renovated and adapted to meet modern living standards. The original 78 apartments were reduced to 68 senior-friendly units, a new elevator was installed, and the building’s technical infrastructure was completely upgraded. The renovation also included the design of step-free, practical bathrooms and kitchens, significantly improving the residents’ daily lives.
A key focus of the renovation was on preserving the building’s historical character. The traditionally brick-clad exterior walls and prefabricated concrete panels were carefully modernized without compromising the building’s heritage. Notably, 31 tenants were able to remain in their apartments throughout the construction phase, thanks to clever planning and close support from WGS.
The project’s success speaks for itself: in 2013, the seamless blend of historical architecture and contemporary living comfort earned a special recognition at the German Building Owners' Award for Modernization. Today, the Werner-Seelenbinder High-Rise once again shines in its original color scheme and serves as a living symbol of Weststadt’s successful development—from post-war modernism to the present day.
This project is a prime example of how WGS, as a key player in urban development, preserves historically significant buildings while creating future-proof living spaces. The renovation of the Werner-Seelenbinder High-Rise has successfully preserved an important part of Weststadt’s identity for generations to come.