Peeking out from Richard-Sorge-Straße is the Ernst-Lemmer-Haus. This building has witnessed fascinating changes. Today, it houses the main administration of the Unionhilfswerk associations. It also hosts the regional association of Berlin.
The Ernst-Lemmer-Haus wasn’t always an office building. Originally, it was a sweet treat. Architect Reinhard Brehm designed it as a residential and factory building. This was for a bonbon, marzipan, and chocolate factory. Imagine the sweet smells wafting through the area.
Construction took place in 1896 and 1897. It was among the first buildings in the southern part of the street. Back then, the street was known as Tilsiter Straße. However, the sweet era didn’t last long. By 1905, the candy production stopped. A clinic took over the building.
In 1922 or 1923, Osram moved in. Later around 1926 or 1927, the Norddeutsche Schriftgießerei occupied the premises. The Ernst-Lemmer-Haus has two distinct parts. The residential building at number 22 features Rococo-style decorations. It is adorned with beautiful embellishments. The factory building at number 21A stands in the courtyard. It has four stories and is clad in yellow and red bricks. Large windows characterize its facade.
Today, both sections belong to the Unionhilfswerk. Previously, the Wohnungsbaugesellschaft Friedrichshain managed the residential building. The Treuhandanstalt oversaw the factory building. With help from Berlin’s monument authorities, the welfare organization professionally restored both buildings by 2000. In 1997, the organization moved its headquarters from Berlin-Dahlem to this location.
The building is named after Ernst Lemmer. He lived from 1898 to 1970. Lemmer co-founded the Unionhilfswerk in 1946. He later served as a federal minister in various ministries. Ernst Lemmer was a politician with the DDP then DStP and later the CDU. He also served as Federal Minister for Pan-German Affairs.
The Ernst-Lemmer-Haus stands as a testament to Berlin’s evolving history. From sweets to healing to politics, this building has played many roles. It serves as a reminder of the past. It is a vibrant hub for social welfare today.