Neulustheim

Hidden in plain sight, Neulustheim whispers stories of resilience and community. This charming neighborhood in Obermenzing, nestled between bustling streets and tranquil green spaces, seems almost unassuming at first glance. But Neulustheim holds a unique history. Born from the post-World War I housing crisis, Neulustheim became a haven for those seeking affordable homes. In 1919, a determined group of men formed the “Soziale Eigenheim-Siedlung Neulustheim e.G.m.b.H.” They petitioned the Bavarian Ministry of Social Affairs for land. They received plots north of Menzinger Straße under a leasehold agreement. Neulustheim began to take shape. The residents, themselves, rolled up their sleeves. They built the roads and pathways. Villas and single-family homes sprang up between Menzinger Straße and Obermenzing station. The lease agreement between the cooperative and the Bavarian state began in 1921. To encourage development, a fee was levied per unit of land. This fee was later increased to incentivize faster construction. The lease agreement finally expired in 1999, except for plots developed after World War II, which remain under lease until 2050. Neulustheim’s development was not without its challenges. Strict regulations governed even the removal of trees, requiring compensation for each one felled. The cooperative even established its own savings and loan association in the mid-1920s to assist with construction financing. They also lobbied for improved public transport, envisioning a dedicated station on the Munich-Landshut railway line. Today, Neulustheim boasts a mix of architectural styles. Grand villas stand alongside more modest homes. The Gasthof zur Burenschänke, a former farm estate turned inn, adds a touch of old-world charm. Several buildings, including the Gasthof, are designated historical landmarks. Neulustheim’s original footprint has expanded over time, even crossing north over Lechelstraße. It now spans three districts and boroughs: Untermenzing, Obermenzing, and Moosach. The area surrounding Waldhornstraße and Lechelstraße belongs to Hartmannshofen, named after a former royal pheasant preserve. Neulustheim remains a testament to the power of community and the enduring appeal of a peaceful neighborhood. It’s a hidden gem in Munich, inviting exploration and reflection on the stories it holds.