Lukas-K-Haus, Mehrgenerationenhaus

Did the stained glass whisper stories of the past? I wonder what secrets they hold. Here at the Lukas-K-Haus, Mehrgenerationenhaus, whispers of the past mingle with the laughter of children. This building, once the Lukaskirche, has been reborn. The Lukas-K-Haus, Mehrgenerationenhaus, stands as a testament to transformation. Inaugurated in 1961 as a Protestant church in the heart of Holsterhausen, it served a growing community. Architect Reinhold Jerichow designed not only the church but also the neighboring Wichernhaus, a community and youth center. The Lukas-K-Haus, Mehrgenerationenhaus, originally featured a unique design. A narrow rectangular structure beneath a gently sloping gabled roof. Large windows, divided into vertical strips, adorned its walls. These windows, designed by artist Ursula Hirsch, showcased a captivating pattern of crosses and circles. A tall, slender bell tower stood proudly to the northwest. By 2008, the Lukaskirche was decommissioned, its purpose fulfilled. For a short time, it became a haven for artists. But its story wasn’t over. Between 2011 and 2013, the Lukas-K-Haus, Mehrgenerationenhaus, underwent a significant transformation. Under the guidance of architect Heinrich Böll, the former church was reimagined. The Lukas-K-Haus, Mehrgenerationenhaus, now embraces a multifaceted role. It houses a daycare center, practice rooms, and accessible apartments. To maximize the building’s potential, additional floor slabs were added. Despite the changes, echoes of the past remain. The stunning stained-glass windows, stretching the building’s full height, still grace the stairwells near the northern entrance. While balconies now interrupt the vertical lines of the facade, and horizontal windows have been added, the original essence persists. The street-facing facade, with its empty bell tower, largely retains its original form. The Lukas-K-Haus, Mehrgenerationenhaus, is more than just a building. It is a living testament to adaptation and community. It continues to serve the people of Essen, albeit in a new and vibrant way.