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BAUWENS –
At a glance

We are project developers, planners, and general contractors with over 150 years of experience across the entire value chain of the real estate industry. For us, real estate is much more than just buildings. It is living spaces, workplaces, and places where people come together.

Since 1873, we have been actively shaping the urban environment and thus the living space of many people. We create real estate with maximum functionality and comfort of use. To this end, we always consider the entire process and exert influence in all phases. The Bauwens Group in its current form reflects this philosophy.

In the current climate, we are constantly facing new challenges that go far beyond pure construction planning. Sustainability, energy efficiency, and the integration of modern technologies are central themes in our work. We respond dynamically to these requirements and rely on our comprehensive market knowledge to always find the best solutions.

Courtyard of the Bauwens Group in Cologne, modern office building with six floors and landscaping in the courtyard
480 Employee

at the six company locations in Cologne, Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt am Main, and the Rhine-Ruhr region

1.8 MRD. €

proportionate project development volume under management as of March 31, 2025

590 Thousand qm

Area under development

2.5 MRD. €

Construction work since 2015

Family-run
by tradition

The management team
  • Paul Bauwens-Adenauer portrait photo

    Paul Bauwens-Adenauer

    Managing partner

  • Dr. Patrick Adenauer

    Managing Partner

  • Alexander Jacobi

    Managing Partner

  • Fabian Bauwens-Adenauer

    Managing Partner

  • Ann-Sophie Bauwens-Adenauer

    Managing partner

  • Timo Wess

    Managing partner

  • Oliver Schmitt

    Managing Director, Bauwens Construction

    The Bauwens building space: A room in the Bauwens company headquarters, showing a long table with a bookcase in the background
    Two employees from Development discuss in a lounge
    Courtyard of the Bauwens Group in Cologne, modern office building with six floors and landscaping in the courtyard
    Two Bauwens employees in a meeting, one with his back turned

    Our values –
    What we stand for

    Traditionally good

    For generations, our family-run company has stood for high-quality real estate projects and exciting construction plans. Our employees are at the heart of our success. Their expertise and commitment result in properties that meet the highest standards. Put your trust in our tradition and expertise. Since 1873.

    Holistic thinking

    We cover the entire real estate value chain – from initial conception to operation. Our foresight allows us to act in a targeted manner throughout all phases and assess challenges in advance. Our customers benefit particularly from this advantage.

    Partnership & equal treatment

    Project success is always a team effort, whether in joint ventures or with contracted companies. We value partnerships and always act on an equal footing. Through trusting cooperation and mutual respect, we achieve lasting success that goes far beyond the individual project.

    Systematic processes

    Real estate projects are complex and require precise, coordinated steps. Our systematic processes ensure clear, traceable procedures and avoid interface losses. Trust in our structured approach for smooth success!

    A holistic approach to property

    We understand real estate in all its phases and cover the entire value chain within our group of companies. Our market-driven solutions take effect from the initial idea to completion – and beyond.

    Development

    Whether you are looking for an apartment complex or a high-class office location, we develop neighborhoods and properties that are perfectly tailored to their individual location with the right feel for the optimal concept. Our projects are optimized for their benefits and designed for long-term value retention thanks to their flexibility and quality.

    Design & Build

    As a general contractor, we implement your entire construction project efficiently and on schedule. Our in-house planning expertise avoids interface losses and optimizes execution. A transparent construction process based on coordinated procedures guarantees smooth progress on the construction site and ensures the quality and timely completion of high-quality properties.

    Real estate agency

    With Bauwens, you benefit from our many years of experience and comprehensive market knowledge in the real estate industry. Whether you are looking to sell, rent, or acquire property, we will accompany you every step of the way and find the best solution for your needs.

    Consulting

    As an experienced project developer and general contractor, we have successfully completed numerous demanding projects under our own entrepreneurial responsibility. With our comprehensive portfolio of services, you can achieve a great deal even in challenging times.

    Social commitment to people and the environment

    Alle Beiträge

    As a family-run company with a long tradition, we are aware of our responsibility towards our environment, our employees, and the regions in which we operate. That is why we are particularly committed to supporting projects and associations that are dedicated to improving community life. In this way, we play a role in shaping local culture, public spaces, and society in a sustainable manner.

      Real Estate Tradition with Vision. Since 1873.

      Around 150 years ago, brothers Peter and Camille Bauwens laid the foundation stone for today's Bauwens Group in Cologne. The former construction company grew into a leading real estate company covering the entire value chain. From development and planning to construction and investment models for real estate, one thing has always remained the same: Bauwens meets market requirements and enables current and future generations to live, work, and shop in high-quality real estate with stable value.

      The Bauwens Chronicle: Driven by a Passion for Change

      • 1873–1929

        The early years after its founding were marked by rapid expansion across the entire former German Reich.

        1873

        The brothers Peter and Camille Bauwens took on their first construction contract in Cologne and founded the company.

        1881

        The city of Cologne grows and Bauwens grows with it: the company expands with a focus on road construction and civil engineering.

        1890

        Bauwens extends its activities to the entire territory of the German Empire and neighboring countries.

        1918

        Bauwens builds canals for inland waterway transport, chemical plants, and power stations.

      • 1930–1979

        Despite the adversities, which require a great deal of determination from everyone to make a new start, Bauwens continues to develop purposefully.

        1930

        With the construction of the Ford factory in Cologne, Bauwens completes its first turnkey industrial facility.

        1934

        The company expands its field of activity and builds dams and power plants.

        1948

        Bauwens finds its new focus: industrial, bridge and building construction.

        1970

        The company grows with the construction of turnkey administrative buildings, schools, and hospitals.

      • 1980–1999

        A restructuring takes place, which changes the company permanently and offers new opportunities.

        1981

        The current partner and managing director Paul Bauwens-Adenauer joins the company.

        1989

        The current partner and managing director, Dr. Patrick Adenauer, joins the company.

        19

        Bauwens becomes a system provider for construction services with the Bauwensconcept® construction partnering model.

        1998

        Development is established as a new business division.

      • 2000–2010

        Bauwens has undergone significant change and is developing into a comprehensive real estate company.

        2006

        The company is divided into the following business areas: Development, Construction, Asset Management, and Management Holding.

        2006

        Alexander Jacobi becomes managing director and partner of the Development division.

        2009

        Bauwens moves into its new, self-developed corporate headquarters on Gereonstraße in Cologne.

      • 2010–2016

        Progressive growth and optimization characterize Bauwens.

        2014

        Milestone: the Bauwens 2020 strategy is developed. The Bauwens process system is established, incorporating lean construction and BIM methodology, among other things. The insourcing of IT is a further commitment to digital transformation.

        2015

        The company moves into its new, purpose-built headquarters in Cologne's Rheinauhafen district.

        2016

        Bauwens sets new standards in project implementation with the implementation of combined heat and power plants (CHP) and intelligent smart meters for individual consumption optimization.

      • 2017–2019

        Bauwens is expanding its presence in Germany's leading metropolitan regions.

        2017

        The fifth generation joins the company: Fabian Bauwens-Adenauer (2017) and Ann-Sophie Bauwens-Adenauer (2018).

        2017

        With the founding of the company "Bauwens digital," investments are made in PropTech companies, thereby developing new digital business models.

        2018

        Bauwens consolidates its extensive presence with the opening of an office in Berlin and further regional locations in Munich and Frankfurt the following year.

      • 2020 – Today

        Bauwens continues to provide decisive impetus for sustainable and stable-value products for the real estate market.

        2023

        Bauwens celebrates its 150th anniversary and, following the opening of its office in Hamburg, is now represented in almost all metropolitan regions of Germany.

        The newly developed Bauwens Consulting business area is based on the "all in one" principle, which combines the diverse services of the entire group for its customers.

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