Perhaps unexpectedly, Fesenfeld is not just a street but also a testament to Bremen’s architectural history. This area embodies the spirit of a bygone era. We are standing before a group of houses that whisper stories of Bremen’s past.
The Wohnhausgruppe Fesenfeld, or Fesenfeld residential group, stands as a remarkable ensemble. It is located in the Östliche Vorstadt district. More precisely it is in the Fesenfeld section. These buildings at Fesenfeld 86–104. These houses were constructed between 1897 and 1900. They offer a glimpse into the architectural tastes of the late 19th century. The Fesenfeld group is protected since 1973. This ensures that its historical and architectural significance endures.
Fesenfeld itself is a street that runs north to south. It connects Bismarckstraße with Vor dem Steintor. The street’s origins trace back to 1869. It was named after the Fesenfeld farm in the Pagentorner Feldmark. This naming reflects the area’s agricultural roots before its urban development.
These houses tell a story of Bremen’s growth. They were built during the Historismus period. They catered to the aspirations of the middle class. Kaufmann H. Köhlmoos was the builder for numbers 90 to 104. The ensemble includes both brick and plastered buildings. The brick houses include numbers 94, 96, 100, 102, and 104. The plastered houses are numbers 86, 88, 90, 92, and 98. Number 98 is known as Haus Köhlmoos. The planners of these buildings remain unknown.
Not all buildings on Fesenfeld enjoy the same protected status. Numbers 1 to 85, 87, 89, 91, 93, 95, 97, 99, 101, 103, and 105 to 142 are not under preservation orders. As of 2018, these buildings are primarily used as residential houses.
The architectural style chosen for Fesenfeld is the Bremer Haus. This house type was popular in Bremen from the mid-19th century to the 1930s. Key features include a basement as a semi-basement. Also it has a deep building form. And a side entrance.
The Fesenfeld area has transformed. Once a slightly disreputable area, it has become a sought-after address. Buying a house here is both expensive and difficult. Properties rarely reach the open market.
Fesenfeld stands as a reminder. It reminds us of Bremen’s architectural heritage. It also shows the urban development. The Fesenfeld residential group invites us to reflect on the city’s past and present.