“For widows and virgins from educated circles,” the August-Heerlein-Stift extended a helping hand. Today, we stand before a testament to compassion. The Denkmal August-Heerlein-Stift whispers tales of Hamburg’s past. It stands as a beacon of hope for those in need.
In 1893, Anna Elisabeth Heerlein laid the cornerstone for the Koppelhaus. This act founded the August Heerlein-Stift. She and her mother Maria Elisabeth Heerlein created it in memory of August Heerlein. He was their deceased father and husband.
Anna Elisabeth Heerlein established two more foundations. These were the August Heerlein Wohltätige Stiftung and the August Heerlein Familien-Stiftung. She aimed to create a memorial to her parents through all her foundations. Though no image of Anna Elisabeth exists, a bronze bust of her father finds its place in the Stiftungsgarten.
The August Heerlein-Stift formally came to life in 1894. Its goal was to provide free housing to widows and unmarried women. They had to be from educated circles. They needed to lack public support. They also needed some means to support themselves.
The early 20th century brought changes. By 1922 and 1923, the Stift began renting out space to generate income. World War II brought devastation in 1945. The main building burned down. Other buildings suffered severe damage.
In 1953, the ruins of the main building were sold to Edeka. The sale financed the repair of the damages. Edeka built its headquarters there. Later, they sold the building to Volksfürsorge AG. Today, the 5-star hotel Le Méridien stands on the property at Alster 52.
Over the years, administrative subsidies transformed into affordable rents. In 1972, the Charlotte and Werner Zindler Stiftung was founded. Its purpose was to build and operate a retirement home in Hamburg. Insufficient funds led to considering a collaboration. They wanted to work with the August Heerlein-Stift. The plan was to build a retirement home on its grounds using Zindler Stiftung funds.
The Zindler Stiftung dissolved in 1979. Its assets transferred to the August Heerlein-Stift. The statutes changed. The name changed to Heerlein- und Zindler-Stiftung. Its purpose became providing housing for the poor and needy over 55 years old. Preference was given to those of the Protestant faith. The foundation could maintain apartments, retirement homes, and nursing homes. It could also pursue other charitable purposes.
The Zindler-Haus was erected in 1981. It served as a retirement home with a nursing station. The architectural team Klimsch, Markovic, and Ronai designed it. Extensive renovations and modernizations occurred up to 1990. These met the growing demands of senior-friendly living. They included modern sanitary facilities and elevators.
In 1993, the August-Heerlein-Stift celebrated its centenary. Today, the August-Heerlein-Stift stands as a cultural monument of Hamburg. Constructed between 1893 and 1894, Ernst Paul Dom designed it. An expansion followed in 1912.
The buildings at Koppel 17 and those in the inner courtyard form an ensemble. This ensemble constitutes the Heerlein und Zindler-Stiftung. It serves as a retirement and nursing home. This Denkmal August-Heerlein-Stift in Hamburg is a place of compassion and care. It is a legacy that continues to this day.