Remarkable isn’t it? This building before us the Altes Rathaus Oberkassel. It wasn’t always a cultural hub. This grand structure you see today was once the very first town hall for Oberkassel. Built in 1898 at a cost of 59000 Marks it served as the seat of the Oberkassel mayor’s office. Before this impressive building the mayor’s own home doubled as the administrative building. A rather quaint arrangement if you ask me.
The Altes Rathaus Oberkassel boasts a unique architectural style. Its neo-Gothic design mirroring the style of similar town halls in Northern Germany and the Netherlands is quite striking. The two-story building constructed of field clinker bricks and featuring two-toned decorative elements is a testament to its era. Notice the four-story tower at its center. That houses the staircase. The building is capped with a hipped roof. A balcony originally graced the entrance. From this balcony public announcements were made. Wrought-iron gates and brick pillars once guarded the entrance to the Altes Rathaus Oberkassel.
For many years the Altes Rathaus Oberkassel was the heart of local governance. It served this purpose until 1969 when Oberkassel was incorporated into Bonn. Then the Altes Rathaus Oberkassel lost its administrative role. However its story didn’t end there. It’s now a vibrant local community center. Various clubs including the local historical society now make their home here.
More recently the Altes Rathaus Oberkassel has undergone significant renovations. This was necessary to preserve this valuable historical building for future generations. Extensive work was undertaken on the roof and the facade. Leaks from the roof and windows caused internal water damage. This damage along with necessary repairs to the roof and facade cost around 755000 Euros. The Deutsche Stiftung Denkmalschutz and the North Rhine-Westphalia state monument preservation program provided funding for this preservation effort. The AGORa association a group of local artists and clubs has undertaken internal renovations and improvements in accessibility. The Altes Rathaus Oberkassel is truly a testament to preservation and community. It’s a reminder of Oberkassel’s history. It’s also a vibrant center of community life. A place for everyone to enjoy.
So as we stand here before the Altes Rathaus Oberkassel may we appreciate its past present and future. It’s more than just a building. It’s a living piece of Bonn’s history. It’s a place where the past and present beautifully intertwine. Isn’t that something worth celebrating?