A relic of a bygone era stands before you. This is the Feuerwache Marzahn. A testament to Marzahn’s history. This unassuming building has witnessed a century of change.
In 1901 a volunteer fire department was founded in the village of Marzahn. The village needed fire protection. Its residents were farmers. They also needed a place to house their equipment. So a simple fire station was built. It included a small living space for the volunteers. The year 1912 marked the completion of this crucial building. It was divided into two distinct sections. The eastern half housed the fire engines. The western half served as living quarters. The building was a symbol of community spirit. Volunteers diligently maintained their equipment. They trained regularly. Only men were allowed to join in the early years.
The fire station became property of the city of Berlin. It later served as a community center. Six residents lived there. One was a senior government official. This was after the merger of Alt-Berlin and surrounding areas. The change happened in 1920. The fire station was in Dorfstrasse 19 then. The name changed to Alt-Marzahn 64.
After World War II the Feuerwache Marzahn was reactivated. It served the newly formed volunteer fire department. The fire station continued to play an important role. It continued to serve the community until the early 1980s.
A new fire station opened in 1983. It was near Blenheimstrasse 67. The volunteer firefighters moved there. This new location proved resilient even after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The old Feuerwache Marzahn was no longer needed. It was then used for other purposes. Law firms occupied the space. A fashion store and a small bookstore also set up shop there. However these businesses have since closed.
The architecture of the Feuerwache Marzahn is striking. It’s a two-story building with a usable attic. Its two sections are symmetrical. The entrances and staircases are on the courtyard side. Original double doors with iron plating remain. Small windows are visible in the arched entrances. Dormer windows are a highlight of the mansard roof. This remarkable building stands as a testament to the resilience and evolution of Marzahn. It continues to shape its unique identity. The old Feuerwache Marzahn. A story of dedication and community. A true symbol of resilience.