Coming and going: New model academy comes to the Kö
Düsseldorf Under the name Piazza dei Mercanti, a mix of gastronomy, fashion and cosmetics as well as a model school is currently being created on Königsallee .
One of the most famous houses in the city center is coming back to life. An ice cream parlor recently opened on the ground floor of the building at the corner of Königsallee and Graf-Adolf-Straße. Coffee, cake, sandwiches and ice cream specialties are available and should be served “open air” above all on Königsallee. "We will have the largest terrace on the Kö," says Michael Holzmann, who, together with two co-owners, has rented the ground floor, the gallery and the first floor in the house "Kö 98". For the time being, Düsseldorfers will soon be able to enjoy their Kö with coffee and ice cream at a good 60 tables with a total of 120 seats. The terrace stretches past several neighboring shops whose owners have agreed to the gastronomic hustle and bustle on their doorstep. Business is said to be booming as the “Piazza dei Mercanti”.
But more is planned under this name. The rear part of the ground floor is currently being built so that cocktails and other drinks can soon be enjoyed at a bar. A kitchen will also be set up, where pasta and salads will be prepared for the guests. "We would like to inspire visitors with this gastronomic offer from morning in the ice cream parlor to the evening with the pasta kitchen until midnight at the bar," says Michael Holzmann.
The 1000 square meters of the piazza also include the mezzanine. A make-up sale will start there. The brand from an Italian manufacturer will then celebrate its premiere in Düsseldorf, says Holzmann. Stella Caretti designer clothing is also moving in.
A model academy will take up most of the space in the "Piazza dei Mercanti" on the first floor. "There are many agencies in the fashion city of Düsseldorf, but hardly any academies where young talent can learn modeling," says Holzmann. Construction is currently underway on the almost 500 square meter floor with a view of Kö and Graf-Adolf-Strasse. The floor will be renewed, as will the exterior walls and glass room dividers will be put in place to make the space as bright as possible. The plan is for the young guests to book in for a monthly fee and learn the modeling trade from professionals. Holzmann is also considering inviting celebrities from current TV programs to workshops, without revealing their names at the moment. Hair and make-up artists will also offer their services, professional photo shoots should ensure good application portfolios.
