The "Alte Wache" (Old Guard) was built in 1733 by J. M. Vanderlew using plans from the Field Campaign Master Count Hermann of Hohenzollern. The Alte Wache served as the main guard post for the Austrian watch garrison, which was stationed in Freiburg at the time. After 1830, the guard post was used for various civil purposes. For example from 1884-88, The Freiburg Art Club made its home in the upper story. Today, the Cathedral choir uses this space as a rehearsal room. In spite of its proximity to the "holy city of the Cathedral", a portion of the ground floor was, until recently, utilized as a public restroom. (...jokingly referred to as "Germany's only outhouse which is classified as a historical monument!")

The "Alte Wache" has been recently renovated and now is the home of the "Haus des Badischen Weins" (House of Baden Wine).

The "Kooperatur" (Curate's House) is attached to the back of the "Alte Wache" and is next door to the "Domherrenhaus" (Cathedral Lord's House), which was first mentioned in 1310. These are two of the oldest buildings in the area. The gable side, with its extraordinarily beautiful tracery rose (circa. 15th century) is untypical in that it faces the Cathedral Square. However, a building inspection in 1990 discovered an old gable in the north wall. It appears that a renovation took place at some earlier point in time and that previously, the house stood with its eaves facing the square. Since the 15th century, the "Kooperatur" is in the possession of the Münsterfabrik (an organization dedicated to the cathedral's maintenance and restoration.) It has been used as an apartment for clergyman and today is the home of the Cathedral priest.