Former social services

This imposing administration building in Maxim-Gorki-Straße 7 originally belonged to Halle’s Agricultural Central Cooperative and formed a pleasing ensemble with the bank building opposite, also designed by Hermann Frede, and similar in style. The three-storey, three-winged stucco building is given stature by its forecourt which is closed on the street side with a stone pergola. Pergola, ground floor, forecourt walls and window surrounds are all built in travertine. The original ochre-coloured stucco has not survived, but the richly decorated portal with its sculptures and floral designs has been well preserved. Like the lavish staircase and the interior and fittings, it is art deco in style. The beautiful portal decorations were created by sculptor Hannes Miehlich, who also worked with Hermann Frede on other buildings in the city.