A silhouette against the sky, that’s the Alter Wasserturm in Cologne-Stammheim. This old water tower stands as a testament to a bygone era. It is a piece of Cologne’s industrial past.
The Alter Wasserturm dates back to 1881. It once stood 40 meters tall. Today, only the 28-meter-high base remains. Imagine the water containers that once sat atop this structure. They supplied water to the surrounding areas.
Nearby, a building housed four coal-powered steam engines. These engines pumped groundwater from wells. The water was then fed into the tower or directly into the water system. This system provided drinking water to Cologne-Mülheim and its districts.
The Rheinische Wasserwerks Gesellschaft once owned the Alter Wasserturm. You can still see their inscription above the sealed entrance. The Alter Wasserturm is a protected landmark.
In the 1990s, there were plans to transform the tower into a museum. But these plans were scrapped due to high costs. In 2007, an investor bought the Alter Wasserturm and its land. They planned to build apartments and houses there. However, the authorities rejected the building application in 2011. The plans didn’t fit the surroundings. Also, the landmark status caused complications.
A four-year development project started in late 2020. The goal was to restore and expand the Alter Wasserturm. The tower is being carefully renovated in consultation with the landmark preservation authorities. It will be restored to its original height. An open staircase with an elevator will be added. The elevator shaft will also serve as a support for the floors.
Together with a new neighborhood square, loft apartments and townhouses are being built. This exclusive development does not include social housing. Instead, it focuses on providing high-quality living for all generations in a secure environment. The residential area is planned to be closed to the general public.
Building rights for the 27-million-euro project were granted in November 2021. Construction was scheduled to begin in April 2022.
The Alter Wasserturm has been a technical monument since July 1, 1980. It holds number 701 in the list of monuments in Cologne-Stammheim. The Alter Wasserturm stands as a reminder of Cologne’s history. It shows how the city has evolved. The tower will continue to watch over Stammheim for many years to come. It is a symbol of the past and a promise for the future.