Embedded in a picturesque landscape, shaped by wind and water, lies the 39-hectare project of Vanke Changchun in northern China. At the beginning of last century the plot was formed by the building of a huge diesel factory. In the 1920s several industrial buildings with brick facades were built, which were still in operation until 1990. As now a new mixed use was developed on that site, one of the most important questions was how this historic building structure could get integrated. First of all, analyzes of the building façade elements, foundations, towers, railway equipment and materials were undertaken to determine worth-while elements being preserved. After that a new plan was based on the existing geometric patterns that could match the requirements of use, density and character. Both concepts have been superimposed and a new district was developed, which is based on the existing industrial character of the relics. The open space concept with the large central park assimilates the elements of water, erosion and natural vegetation, and overlaid them with historic structures such as the old railroad tracks, but interpreted in a new design. Like a river, the park meanders through the strict grid and connects again scattered spaces and green oases. Meanwhile the first part of the residential estate is built (phase1: 5.9 ha.), e.g. the facade of the exhibition center with historic materials and techniques wall was rebuilt. The new high-rises with the historic structures are now a best seller and the further realization of the project is ongoing.