Craving a taste of Amsterdam beyond the canals? Here in the Chassébuurt, you will find more than just pretty streets. The Chassébuurt is a neighborhood in Amsterdam. It is located in the West district of the city. The Chassébuurt lies between several prominent locations. These are the Kostverlorenvaart, the Postjesweg, and the Admiralengracht. You will also find the Jan Evertsenstraat, and the Admiraal de Ruijterweg around it. The neighborhood gets its name from the Chasséstraat.
Back in the early 1920s things started to change here. The government shifted its focus from funding workers’ housing. Instead, it favored middle-class homes built by private individuals. A premium system was introduced. It offered subsidies for middle-class homes. This led to many people from the construction world joining forces. They formed partnerships to build and rent out properties in the Chassébuurt.
The government also provided mortgage loans. The municipality acted as guarantor. If owners defaulted, the properties would revert to the municipality. This happened quite often. New landlords lacked expertise. There was also an oversupply of middle-class housing. Many private landlords couldn’t pay their dues. The municipality had to buy their properties.
For example, in 1925, the municipality acquired a block on Witte de Withstraat. The properties belonged to several companies. In 1926, another landlord lost his properties to the municipality. The Municipal Housing Service Amsterdam took over management. It rented out the homes at affordable rates. This explains why the municipality owns many properties in this area. In the 1980s, the municipality bought more dilapidated buildings. They renovated them and rented them out.
In the early 2000s, the borough and Ymere invested heavily in the Chassébuurt. The goal was to create a lively and diverse neighborhood. The Chassébuurt transformed into a popular area. It has galleries, businesses, and homes for various income groups. Streets were redesigned. A leisure center for children and young people was added. Street patrols were introduced in 2007. They addressed nuisance caused by loitering youths.
In late 2016, there was a change in the tram route. A group of residents saw an opportunity to improve the street. They formed a community and launched a project. It was called “The Green Carpet to the Chassébuurt”. In mid-2017, the project won an election. The municipality pledged its cooperation. Street redesign is planned. Residents and the municipality will collaborate on the designs.
The Witte de Withstraat houses several galleries. The Westermoskee is also located in the neighborhood. Don’t miss the Witte de Withplein. It’s a square in the Chassébuurt. It was created during a renewal plan. The square provides open space in the dense neighborhood. The buildings around the square reflect the Amsterdam School style.
The Chassébuurt has transformed from an area facing challenges. It is now a vibrant and diverse neighborhood. It has a rich history. It also has a strong sense of community. Take a stroll. Explore its streets. Discover the unique charm of the Chassébuurt.