The first new trade fair buildings in Leipzig after 1945 were incorporated in the system of arcades in the city centre and are now a top location with considerable potential. It is a particularly challenging task for any developer to shape the city and public space at such an eye-catching location. We are combining global urban standards with individual quality of life in our new concept for the Messehaus am Markt and the Messehofpassage to turn them into architecturally attractive office and commercial buildings fit for the 21st century. This has given birth to a string of pearls that is about 150 m long with key traders based at top inner-city sites.