Step into the heart of Essen. Discover Siedlung Margarethenhöhe a true gem. Margarethe Krupp’s vision blossomed here. A garden city unlike any other. In 1906 she established a foundation. She donated land and funds for affordable housing. Architect Georg Metzendorf brought her dream to life. His innovative “Kleinwohnhaus” design was revolutionary. It combined practicality with beauty. The Siedlung Margarethenhöhe wasn’t just about bricks and mortar. It was about community. It was about providing decent housing for Essen’s citizens. Not just Krupp workers but all. The Stiftungsurkunde specified housing for “Minderbemittelte”. This meant people with steady incomes who couldn’t afford to own homes.
Imagine the bustling activity during construction. Twenty-nine phases spanning decades. The “alte Margarethenhöhe” arose. Later Margarethenhöhe II emerged. A mix of high-rises multi-family homes and individual houses. The Brückenkopf the gateway to the settlement. Metzendorf’s first building. A grand ensemble with a large archway. Important figures like Kaiser Wilhelm passed through it. The innovative two-story Kleinwohnhäuser featured central heating. Separate kitchens and bathrooms were luxuries then. Cost-cutting measures were essential. Prefabricated elements and two basic floor plans helped. Lowering ceiling heights saved money too.
A stroll through the Siedlung reveals charming details. The colorful doors for example. Children easily found their homes thanks to the colors. The winding streets and narrow alleys are captivating. Ornate facades gables windows and doors are delightful. Each house is unique. High-quality green living is evident. The Kleiner Markt is the heart of the settlement. Locals affectionately call it “Maggi Höhe”. Market days are lively. The Feierabendmarkt is a popular addition. The Gasthaus zur Margarethenhöhe a striking building with arcades. It now houses a hotel. The historic Krupp Zimmer remains. It is available for events or public tours. Metzendorf designed its complete wood paneling.
Across from the Schatzgräberbrunnen (Treasure Hunter’s Fountain) Laubengang houses line up. The fountain honors the settlement’s founder. The former Krupp Konsum now an Edeka store. It’s an impressive building. Initially only Krupp employees could shop there at reduced prices. Over the years the infrastructure improved significantly. Transportation links were optimized. Restaurants schools kindergartens and churches were built. There was even a small post office and a police station. Records even mention an “arrest cell for night owls”. The school which opened in 1923 had separate classes for different religions. This reflected the times. The Tusem sports and health club established itself next door. It is renowned for its tennis successes. High-quality ceramics were made in a former workshop. You can still buy some at Zeche Zollverein today. Many artists settled in the Siedlung in the 1920s and 30s. The Kleine Atelierhaus housed the painter and graphic artist Hermann Kätelhön. He was a friend of Margarethe Krupp. The house is part of the Ruhr Museum since 2012. It shows the history of Margarethenhöhe.
Today Siedlung Margarethenhöhe is a vibrant community. A testament to Margarethe Krupp’s vision. It is a place where history and modern life coexist. A place where the past enriches the present. A place where affordable and beautiful homes stand side-by-side with green spaces. Walk its streets and feel the spirit of a garden city. It is a true treasure of Essen.