A firefighter’s gaze. He protectively cradles a house. This is the Gemeindebau Taubergasse 1-3.
Right here in Vienna’s 17th district stands this remarkable building. It’s more than just apartments. It’s a piece of Viennese history. Built between 1937 and 1938 the Gemeindebau Taubergasse 1-3 is one of the last municipal housing projects from Austria’s First Republic. Architect Konstantin Peller designed it. He was a significant figure in Viennese architecture. Peller shaped the architecture of Red Vienna. He designed many of the city’s housing projects.
The Gemeindebau Taubergasse 1-3 has seventy-three apartments. It survived wartime bombing. It later underwent reconstruction in 1956. An extension was added in 1953 facing Rosensteingasse. The building is an L-shape. It has 17 and 15 window axes. The facades were replastered in 1956. A broad brick plinth runs along the building. An overhanging cornice tops the building. There is a fire station entrance. It features brick framing and a canopy. This created a rhythm among the window axes.
This section was probably designed to connect to another building. That building was destroyed during the bombing. The building’s unique character is reflected in its details. Three or four windows are grouped together. They are reminiscent of the former visible brick strips. These strips were probably removed during a renovation. Expressive details remain. The courtyard staircases boast exaggerated entrance gates.
At the corner of Taubergasse and Johann-Nepomuk-Berger-Platz stands a special feature. It’s a console figure. This figure depicts a fireman. He leans his head towards a house. His hands protectively embrace it. The plinth bears the inscription 1938. The artist remains unknown.
The street names themselves hold stories. Taubergasse was once Dorotheergasse. It was renamed after Kaspar Tauber. He was the first Lutheran martyr in Vienna. He was executed in 1524 for his religious beliefs. Johann-Nepomuk-Berger-Platz is named after Dr Johann Nepomuk Berger. He was a lawyer a member of the democratic left and later a city council member and minister.
The Gemeindebau Taubergasse 1-3 stands as a testament to Vienna’s history. It’s a symbol of the city’s commitment to providing affordable housing. It’s a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of its people. It’s a building with a story. It’s a story worth remembering.