A million Goldmarks. That’s quite a sum isn’t it? Especially in 1879. That’s the legacy that started it all here at the Koster Stiftung. Before us stands a testament to the generosity of Heinrich and Caroline Koster. Their will established this remarkable institution.
The Koster Stiftung isn’t just a collection of buildings. It’s a living story. A story of compassion. A story of providing affordable housing for those in need. Heinrich Koster a Hamburg native. He spent years abroad building his fortune. He saw poverty firsthand. Upon his return to Hamburg he built 16 small houses. These houses were on Kirchentwiete now Kellinghusenstrasse. He learned much from the residents. This experience heavily influenced his will.
Heinrich’s will stipulated that a million Goldmarks roughly 6.4 million Euros today. This would fund the Koster Stiftung. The aim? To construct homes for needy families and the elderly. Rent would be kept as low as possible. This was a forward-thinking approach even then. The philosophy was simple. “Help to self-help”. This concept remains a core value today.
The early years of the Koster Stiftung weren’t without challenges. The initial 16 houses were demolished in 1897. This was due to road widening. The foundation then acquired land in Barmbek and Eppendorf. A deal was struck with the city of Hamburg. This secured the Stiftung’s future. New houses quickly followed. These buildings were on Kosterallee in Barmbek and Kosterstrasse in Eppendorf.
The Second World War tragically impacted the Koster Stiftung. Most of the houses on Kosterallee were destroyed. Only the ground floors survived. They temporarily housed those who lost their homes. These were later demolished. The main senior residence Haus Koster also suffered damage. A fire destroyed the fifth floor. It wasn’t fully restored until 1953. Bomb damage to the walkways was repaired in 1964/65. The building was listed as a protected monument in 1981.
The Koster Stiftung continues its mission to this day. It offers affordable housing and modern social services to elderly residents. The buildings have been modernized. They offer amenities like a cafe a restaurant and even a physiotherapy center. In recent years Haus 2 was renovated. This included creating facilities for a dementia care unit. The Koster Stiftung is an enduring testament to the power of philanthropy. It’s a legacy that continues to serve its community. It represents a commitment to providing for the less fortunate. A commitment that began with a million Goldmarks and a simple belief in helping others.