In 1479, the Historisches Rathaus / historic town hall was built from the remains of a Gothic town gate. It clearly reflects the history of Oberursel.

In 1444, Oberursel was granted town charter. As trade was flourishing, the number of residents constantly increased. Subsequently, the town's border grew in 1481 to include an area called "the valley" and was again surrounded with a town wall.

After the town enlargement, the former southern town gate (Untertor) was no longer of military use and turned into a town hall. It was the visible link between the old and new part of town and reflected the townspeople's pride in their recently acquired status. Also, it was conveniently located right next to the newly established market square.

In 1622, during the Thirty Years' War, the Rathaus / town hall was burnt down for the first time. Although there were plans in 1629 to rebuild it, they were not realised while the war was still raging. Then, in 1645, as the building had barely been patched up, it was burnt down again - together with the greater part of town.

In 1659 the Rathaus / town hall was rebuilt on a much smaller scale than intended in 1629. The building and the interior design were finished in 1663. Below the steps leading to the upper floor, there was room for a detention chamber for up to 20 prisoners.

In 1702 the Rathaus / town hall was embellished with a sundial; during refurbishing in 1933/34 an inscription was added and the ceiling above the archway was adorned with the town's baroque-style coat-of-arms of the 15th/18th century.

By 27 September 1980 the former town council's meeting hall had undergone extensive refurbishments once again. The Ratsherrensaal / aldermen's hall with its exquisite wall panelling has since provided the ideal venue for distinctive municipal events and wedding ceremonies.