Picture this a towering brick structure against the Dortmund sky. This is the Am Wasserturm a landmark that silently guards stories of the past. Built between 1923 and 1927 it served a vital purpose. It supplied water to steam locomotives at the Dortmund South railway station. The Deutsche Reichsbahn the German national railway company commissioned its construction. Two massive concrete water tanks each holding 800 cubic meters of water resided within its upper levels.
For decades the Am Wasserturm stood tall. It was more than a water tower. It housed social spaces for railway workers. Imagine the bustling hallways filled with the sounds of laughter and conversation. Changing rooms washrooms even overnight accommodations were available. The ground floor housed shops adding to the vibrant atmosphere around the station.
The Am Wasserturm wasn’t just functional it was a statement of architectural style. Architects H Lehmann and M Venner designed it in the expressionist style. The imposing brick exterior hides a steel-concrete skeleton. The decorative cornices add visual interest to the building. They contrast the vertical lines of the tower with a horizontal emphasis created by the wide windows.
Later the railway station declined. The Am Wasserturm lost its original function. It sat empty for a time. Then it found new life. A private investor transformed it. The tower is now a vibrant hub filled with office spaces. The former water tanks host art exhibitions presentations and concerts.
Today the Am Wasserturm is a testament to Dortmund’s industrial heritage. It’s a symbol of resilience. The old structure stands proudly in the city’s landscape. It still serves as a cultural centre offering a glimpse into its rich history. The Am Wasserturm isn’t just a building. It’s a living breathing part of Dortmund’s story. A story we can all appreciate.