Bergbau-Beamtensiedlung Neu-Asseln

Could a home built for mine officials whisper tales of both industry and elegance? Here at the Bergbau-Beamtensiedlung Neu-Asseln, also known as Siedlung Am Knie, the stones themselves seem to speak. This housing estate, nestled in Dortmund-Neuasseln, isn’t just a collection of houses. It’s a living testament to a bygone era, a time when the Phoenix AG für Bergbau und Hüttenbetrieb sought to create a haven for its esteemed employees. The Bergbau-Beamtensiedlung Neu-Asseln emerged in 1922, a brainchild of architect Fritz Schupp. His vision was to provide homes for the mine’s managers and administrative staff, the “Beamte” of Zeche Schleswig. The result is a charming enclave of two single-family homes, four duplexes, one triplex, and two four-family homes, totaling twenty-one entrances. The Bergbau-Beamtensiedlung Neu-Asseln isn’t just about the houses. It’s the entire ensemble. The street “Am Knie,” a visually broad avenue, leads to a rectangular square embraced by buildings. High walls connect the spacious structures, creating a sense of unity and privacy. In 1989, this unique ensemble, including the surrounding walls and outbuildings, was rightfully designated as a historical landmark. The story of Bergbau-Beamtensiedlung Neu-Asseln also intertwines with the now-defunct Zeche Schleswig. Remnants of the colliery, along with the Neuhammerweg street, stand as reminders of the area’s industrial past. A particularly fascinating detail is the former “Solebad Schleswig.” This saltwater bath, utilizing the mine’s saline water for therapeutic purposes, operated from 1860 until the mine’s closure. The bathhouse has been converted into a residence, but its history still echoes in the walls. Even the privatization of the houses in 2002 couldn’t erase the unique character of the Bergbau-Beamtensiedlung Neu-Asseln. The “Agreement for the Further Development of the Siedlung Am Knie” ensured preservation and respect for its history, a testament to its enduring value. As you stand here, imagine the families who once called this place home. Picture the mine officials strolling along Am Knie, discussing the day’s work. The Bergbau-Beamtensiedlung Neu-Asseln is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a story etched in time, waiting to be rediscovered.