“A bridge to the future, they called it,” grumbled old Herr Schmidt, adjusting his cap. “But it cost me my allotment!” We stand before the Minna-Todenhagen-Brücke, a sleek, steel and concrete structure spanning the Spree River. This bridge, opened in December 2017, isn’t just a crossing. It’s a testament to Berlin’s constant evolution, a link between the past and the future, literally connecting the Oberschöneweide and Niederschöneweide districts. The Minna-Todenhagen-Brücke, with its five spans and a total length of 420 meters, carries a significant load. Not just the estimated 37,000 vehicles daily, but also the weight of its own story. The bridge’s construction, beginning in 2013, wasn’t without its hiccups. A dramatic incident in August 2015 saw a massive bridge section, weighing six to ninety tons depending on the source, come crashing down. This setback delayed the project, pushing the completion date back from late 2016 to its eventual opening in 2017. The Minna-Todenhagen-Brücke replaced a planned ferry line, the F11. Public outcry saved the ferry, at least temporarily, allowing it to operate alongside the new bridge. Now, the bus line 365 traverses the bridge, shuttling passengers between Baumschulenweg station and the Wilhelminenhofstraße/Edisonstraße tram hub. The bridge’s name honors Minna Todenhagen, a decision made after some debate. The local council initially favored Mathilde Rathenau, but the Senate ultimately chose Todenhagen. The Minna-Todenhagen-Brücke stands as a striking example of modern bridge architecture. Its twin steel truss girders, supporting the concrete roadway, create a visually arresting “bridge eye” between the two traffic directions. The 6.5-meter-high light columns at each end, like futuristic sentinels, mark the bridge’s boundaries and add a touch of artistic flair. So, as we stand here, gazing upon the Minna-Todenhagen-Brücke, remember that it’s not merely steel and concrete. It’s a story of progress, of setbacks and triumphs, a physical embodiment of Berlin’s ever-changing landscape.
Genossenschaft PA58
From 1981 the Genossenschaft PA58 stands tall. It’s a self-managed house project. This is its story. This impressive building in