In order to enhance the appeal and modernize the existing buildings, a design manual for the exterior design of structures in the Mainz-Lerchenberg shopping center was developed, which will be used in the future for the renovation of facades. This was decided by the city council at its meeting on July 20, 2022. The special character that has prevailed since the time of its construction is to be retained in the future through the specifications of the design manual.

Making the shopping mall more appealing should help to strengthen local supply and secure it in the long term. Creating attractive areas for people to hang out should encourage them to meet and chat in the future. The design manual aims to guide the renovation and upgrading of the shopping center. This should restore and strengthen the spatial impact and unity of the shopping center. Existing design flaws are to be eliminated as part of renovation or conversion measures in accordance with the design manual. The existing buildings are to be preserved and maintained.

The design manual is an informal planning tool and therefore not a statute. The manual serves as a non-binding guideline. Together with a repair guideline and the promotion of private investment through the urban development program "Social City – Social Cohesion," the design manual is intended to encourage private owners to invest in existing buildings and provide private builders with a framework for action.

In order to provide an incentive for local residents to invest in the timely repair of facades, funding was made available within the "Social City – Social Cohesion" (Regionalfenster Lerchenberg) support program, which is to be used to promote private repair measures in the area of building facades based on the design manual.

As a basis for this funding, a repair guideline was developed, which regulates the requirements and deadlines. All information and applications relevant to facade funding are available for download on the Social City website at the following link: