Built between 1900 and 1901 the Gaswerk Mariendorf stands before you. It was once Berlin’s largest gasworks a marvel of industrial engineering. Imagine the clatter of machinery the hiss of gas the relentless rhythm of coal arriving by canal and rail.
The Gaswerk Mariendorf supplied the city’s southern districts with gas. This fueled the city’s gaslights. It was crucial for lighting Berlin’s streets and homes. The Imperial Continental Gas Association ICGA a London-based company built it. They chose Mariendorf strategically. Its location near the Berlin-Dresden railway line and the Teltow Canal ensured efficient coal transport. Adolf Lewissohn a local businessman played a key role in securing the land for the project.
Edward Drory the Gaswerk Mariendorf’s director aimed to improve workers’ conditions. He introduced advanced machinery. This reduced the physical strain of the job. The gasworks’ design reflected its function. Buildings were arranged to minimize material handling. Coal arrived and was stored in the north. Processing cleaning storage and distribution followed southward. This efficient flow was a testament to Drory’s forward-thinking.
The Gaswerk Mariendorf wasn’t just about function. It was a thing of beauty too. The buildings mimicked Northern German brick Gothic architecture. Architects Schulz & Schlichting created the initial designs. Paul Karchow was responsible for later expansions and renovations. The red brick walls iron window frames and ornate details were a stunning contrast to the industrial processes within. A notable feature is the old water tower standing tall at approximately 29 meters. A unique telescoping low-pressure gas holder also remains. It was originally built for a Viennese gasworks in 1892 then dismantled and reassembled in Mariendorf.
By the 1960s producing gas from coal became less efficient. The Gaswerk Mariendorf switched to methanol and light gasoline. Coal-based gas production ended in 1980. The shift to natural gas in the 1990s rendered the Gaswerk Mariendorf obsolete. It closed in 1996. Most historical buildings thankfully survived. A large fire in 2010 destroyed a significant workshop and storage hall.
Today the Gaswerk Mariendorf’s legacy lives on in the Marienpark Berlin. This industrial site has been transformed into a thriving business park. BrewDog a Scottish brewery now occupies a renovated brick hall. The Deutsche Post AG also has a mechanized delivery center here. Start-up companies and a solar farm further contribute to this area’s vibrant life. This unique blend of history and modern enterprise is a testament to the Gaswerk Mariendorf’s enduring impact on Berlin.