Standing tall and proud in the heart of Jena, Germany, the JenTower is an architectural marvel that commands attention. This towering structure, with its sleek, cylindrical design, is not just the tallest office building in Thuringia, but also a symbol of the city’s modernity and progress. With a height of 144.5 meters (or 159.6 meters including its antenna), the JenTower is a beacon of innovation and a testament to the city’s rich history and bright future.
The story of the JenTower begins in the 1960s, during a period of significant urban development in East Germany. The Ministerrat der DDR (Council of Ministers of the German Democratic Republic) initiated a program to transform key cities, giving them a new, socialist appearance. Jena, known for its association with the optical industry, was selected for this ambitious project. The renowned architect Hermann Henselmann was tasked with designing a round tower that would symbolize a telescope, reflecting the city’s connection to Carl Zeiss, a leading optics company.
The construction of the JenTower was not without its challenges. The historic residential and commercial district around Eichplatz was demolished to make way for the new tower. The foundation stone was laid on April 30, 1970, and by September of the same year, the concrete core of the tower was completed using a slipform construction method. However, due to budget constraints, the original design was scaled down. The height was reduced from 35 to 28 floors, and the diameter from 38 meters to 33 meters. Despite these changes, the tower was officially inaugurated on October 2, 1972.
Initially intended as a research center for the Carl Zeiss Jena combine, the tower was instead handed over to the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena due to changing needs. The university used the building until 1995, after which it was sold to Saller Gewerbebau GmbH for the symbolic price of one Deutsche Mark. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for the JenTower.
The late 1990s saw a comprehensive renovation of the JenTower. The old facade was replaced with a new curtain wall made of glass, giving the tower its modern, sleek appearance. The base of the tower was also reconstructed, and a new parking garage and a five-story building were added. In 2001, two additional floors and an antenna were added, increasing the tower’s height to its current 159.6 meters. The JenTower now stands as the tallest building in the eastern German states, measured by its total height.
In 2020, the prominent Intershop signage, which had adorned the tower since its renovation in 2000, was removed as the company relocated its headquarters. In June 2023, a new sign with the official name JENTOWER was installed, marking the latest evolution in the tower’s storied history.
Today, the JenTower is primarily used as an office building, housing a variety of tenants, including companies from the IT sector, many of which have roots in the former Intershop Communications AG. The tower also hosts the Friedrich Schiller University, the Deutsche Effecten- und Wechsel-Beteiligungsgesellschaft, and the IKS Garamond Verlag.
One of the highlights of the JenTower is the hotel located on the 27th floor. This unique accommodation offers seven single rooms, nine double rooms, and a suite, making it the second-highest hotel in Germany. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Jena and the surrounding landscape from their rooms, making it a truly memorable stay.
For those seeking a dining experience with a view, the 28th and 29th floors of the JenTower are home to a restaurant and a public observation deck. The restaurant offers a range of culinary delights, while the observation deck provides panoramic views of the city, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
The JenTower is situated in a vibrant part of Jena, with several notable landmarks nearby. To the west lies the former site of the VEB Carl Zeiss Jena, including the historic Bau 59 and the 43-meter-high Bau 15, Germany’s first high-rise building, constructed in 1915. Further west is the Bau 36, now the headquarters of Jenoptik AG.
To the north of the JenTower, visitors can explore remnants of Jena’s medieval city wall, including the Johannistor, the only fully preserved city gate, and the Pulverturm. These historic structures offer a glimpse into the city’s past, contrasting beautifully with the modernity of the JenTower.
The JenTower is more than just a building; it is a symbol of Jena’s resilience and innovation. From its origins as a symbol of socialist progress to its current status as a hub of modern business and technology, the tower reflects the city’s journey through time. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply looking for a unique experience in Jena, the JenTower is a must-visit destination that promises to leave a lasting impression.
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