22.02.2024

Luther assists the US government with the sale of its iconic property in Hamburg

Hamburg, 22.02.2024 – The former US Consulate General building on Hamburg's Outer Alster – popularly known as "The Little White House on the Alster" – has been sold. The United States government ("USA") has signed the contract with Derag for the transfer of the property. The USA was assisted by Luther Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft in the sale of the prominent building.

The buyer of the listed building and the associated 3,600 square metre site at Alsterufer 27/28 is Derag (Deutsche Realbesitz Unternehmensgruppe with headquarters in Munich), which also operates the "Living Hotels" hotel chain.

Due to its history and architecture, the former consulate building is one of the Hanseatic city's landmarks. The history, the listed building status and the special features of the property's use as a US consulate posed legal challenges. Luther supported the transaction, including the due diligence process and the bidding competition, in close cooperation with the USA.

On behalf of the USA:

Luther, Corporate/M&A: Dr Stephan Rippert LL.M. (partner, lead), Dr Andreas Vath (partner), Max Issels LL.M. (Associate), Anna Bielenberg (due diligence)

Luther, real estate law: Ruth-Maria Thomsen (partner, lead)

Notary's office: Dr Perz, notaries at Gänsemarkt

Real estate agent: Niklas Hensiek, Cushman & Wakefield