Nestled on Windbergstraße, the Rathaus Coschütz stands as a testament to a time when Coschütz was an independent municipality. From 1903 to 1921, this building served as the heart of Coschütz’s local government. Imagine the bustling activity within these walls as officials managed the affairs of the growing community.
Richard Schleinitz, a Dresden architect, designed the Rathaus Coschütz. Construction took place between 1902 and 1903. This was a period of significant growth for Coschütz. The population was expanding due to new constructions along Karlsruher Straße.
Before the Rathaus Coschütz, the local government operated from the homes of community leaders. Meetings took place in a local inn starting in 1890. A dedicated building became necessary as the population grew. Debates arose about building a new town hall versus renting space. Opponents felt a new building was too extravagant for a town of 2,500 residents.
Ultimately, the decision was made to construct a dedicated municipal office. In 1901, under Gemeindevorstand Espig, the construction of the Rathaus Coschütz was approved. A plot of land was purchased from Gutsbesitzer Körner for 10,300 Mark. An architectural competition was held for members of the Dresdner Architektenverein. The budget was set between 45,000 and 50,000 Mark.
Theodor Lehnert and Georg Heinsius von Mayenburg won the competition. Richard Schleinitz secured second place. Clemens Türke’s design came in third. The decision was to merge all three designs. Schleinitz was chosen to create the final design for the Rathaus Coschütz.
Construction began on August 21, 1902. Max Seiffert’s construction company managed the earthworks, masonry, and carpentry. Delays arose from plans for a Ratskeller. A more modern technical setup also caused holdups. This included central heating, electric lighting, and a clock with a clock tower. The final cost was approximately 125,000 Mark. This was over 50% more than the initial estimate.
In 1903, the ground floor housed the guardhouse and the Ratskeller. The Ratskeller included a dance hall, a billiards room, and two club rooms. The dance hall later became known as “Demos”. The first floor contained the meeting room, savings bank, and the mayor’s official residence. The second floor had two more apartments. The Freibank and the fire engine house were in the rear building.
Coschütz was incorporated into Dresden in 1921. The Rathaus Coschütz continued to house municipal offices for several years. The Ratskeller remained open until 1949. From 1936 to 1949, Max Rahm managed the Ratskeller. Rahm discovered the Rahm-Hanke climbing path. In the 1950s, the administrative offices were converted into medical practices. From 1950 to 1990, it served as an outpatient clinic. In 1955, a Volkssolidarität club opened in the former Ratskeller.
Richard Schleinitz designed the building in the style of the Northern German Renaissance. The Rathaus Coschütz’s asymmetrical street facade features a sandstone balcony. The municipal coat of arms is below. The coat of arms represents agriculture, brewing, and quarrying. Allegorical figures of justice and fortitude adorn the balcony supports. A clock tower sits above the eaves.
Today, the Rathaus Coschütz is privately owned. It houses a medical center, a private daycare, a student association, and apartments. The building’s historical significance is undeniable. Its architecture and history connect it to Coschütz’s past. This building reminds us of Coschütz’s journey from a village to a part of Dresden.