In 1947, a street in Frankfurt, formerly bearing the name of a Reich president, underwent a transformation. It was renamed Ludwig-Landmann-Straße, honoring a man whose vision shaped the very landscape we stand upon. Ludwig Landmann, Frankfurt’s mayor from 1924 to 1933, spearheaded the “New Frankfurt” project. This ambitious initiative brought renowned architects and designers to the city. They created innovative housing projects like the settlements of Praunheim and Westhausen. These settlements, located along Ludwig-Landmann-Straße, offered modern and affordable housing for workers and employees. Landmann’s foresight extended beyond housing. He recognized the importance of regional cooperation and envisioned a “Rhine-Main City Circle” with Frankfurt at its heart. This concept emphasized the flow of traffic and commerce, leading to the development of a robust highway network. Ludwig-Landmann-Straße became a key artery in this network, connecting the city with its surrounding areas. The street’s history reflects two distinct periods of Frankfurt’s urban development. The older section, stretching from Hausen outwards, embodies the innovative spirit of the 1920s. The newer section, connecting to the Katharinenkreisel, represents the auto-centric planning of the 1970s. As we walk along Ludwig-Landmann-Straße today, we see more than just a busy thoroughfare. We see a testament to a mayor’s vision, a street that embodies both Frankfurt’s architectural heritage and its dynamic urban growth. Ludwig-Landmann-Straße, once the Hindenburgstraße, tells a story of change, innovation, and the enduring impact of one man’s commitment to his city.
Adlerwerke
From bicycles to Nazi atrocities, the Adlerwerke in Frankfurt has witnessed a tumultuous history. The Adlerwerke, meaning “Eagle Works,” began