Instead of actually being a department store as the name suggests, the Städtisches Kaufhaus houses mostly offices. However, there is a passage connecting a street to the courtyard, where some shops can be found.

In one of the staircases serving the office floors, there used to be the oldest elevator in Leipzig. Although some metal details of the shaft have been restored in an old style, including decorative shaft swing doors, the elevator itself has been completely replaced. At least it has a cab with a lot of glass, but seeing the original elevator in working order would have been much more interesting. On ground level, there is a mechanical floor indicator, but it is purely decoration and not functional, just like the metal shaft doors. While moving, the existing elevator makes some weird noises and has a slightly uneven speed.

Technical specifications:
Brand: Hopmann
Capacity: 1350kg / ~2975lbs / 17 people
Type: traction (bottom drive, 1:1 transmission)
Year built: 1994
Travel distance: 7 floors