This eleven story building was the first sky scraper in Leipzig.
The Krochhaus on Leipzig's Augustusplatz was built between 1927 and 1928 by German Bestelmeyer for Bankhaus Kroch. Initially, the architect's suggestion to make more effective use of the narrow property by building eleven storeys triggered protests. A mock-up was created to accustom people to the new building hight before the other floors of the building were built.
The design of the limestone-revetted, reinforced concrete structure is based on the St. Mark's clock town in Venice. The façade and the sculptural parts of the skyscraper are made of shell limestone. The bellmen, a father and son, ring in the hours in Leipzig. Below the figures is the Latin inscription "Omnia vincit labar" (work concurs all). The clock on the 10th floor, made by Bernhard Zachariä, is flanked by two relief lions. The lunar phases are also represented.
The University of Leipzig's exhibition centre is located in the Bankhaus Kroch's former counter hall. The room is home to the most important Art Deco interiors in Leipzig. The terracotta Neptune fountain with the gilded figure of the sea god is particularly impressive.