[1] Since the 17th century, the area has been densely built-up; the result was a so-called Gängeviertel ("corridor quarter") with many narrow alleys.

In 1892, a cholera epidemic broke out and the poor hygienic conditions in the neighbourhood caused the disease to spread dramatically – it was then decided to redevelop the area.

In order to make the street canyons more open at the top, the upper floors are often set back from the main front of the house.

[5]: 185  In addition to hints of clinker brick expressionism, one of the most outstanding stylistic elements is the rounded corner of the house.

Also well known are the sculptures by Richard Kuöhl in the entrance area, which represent the most important professional branches of the flourishing Hamburg economy.

[2]: 31 Between 1924 and 1926 an office building for the company Dobbertin & Co. and the Reederei Komrowski was built according to the plans of the architects Distel und Grubitz.

[2]: 32 [8]: 117, 137  The fictitious gable of the Bartholomayhaus, a reminiscence of the old Hanseatic town houses, was already considered obsolete at the time of its construction.