Built between 1981 and 1983 Salvador-Allende-Viertel II stands as a testament to East German urban planning. This large housing development in Berlin Koepenick’s Kämereiheide forest is named after the former Chilean president Salvador Allende. Unlike its western counterpart Allende I built on former allotment gardens Salvador-Allende-Viertel II was constructed amidst the trees.
The area’s development wasn’t without controversy. Plans to significantly expand Salvador-Allende-Viertel II were met with strong opposition. A public meeting famously ended abruptly when someone jokingly questioned if a local restaurant by the Müggelsee would become the neighborhood eatery. That seemingly innocuous question highlighted the community’s resistance effectively silencing any further expansion plans.
The construction of Salvador-Allende-Viertel II also necessitated major infrastructure improvements. The Müggelheimer Straße had to be widened dramatically. This once narrow two-lane road with shared tram lines was transformed into a four-lane thoroughfare with dedicated tram tracks. Many older buildings had to be demolished to make way for this expansion losing some of the urban fabric that once connected the palace the old town and the Kietz district. The new Salvador-Allende-Bridge also appeared due to the construction of Salvador-Allende-Viertel II.
Today Salvador-Allende-Viertel II offers a unique blend of urban living and natural surroundings. It boasts generous green courtyards playgrounds and proximity to forests the Spree River and the Müggelsee. While a discount store opened in 2002 smaller shops and restaurants add to the neighborhood’s charm. Public transport options include several bus routes making the area accessible. Even the Europaradweg R1 a long-distance European cycle route passes through Salvador-Allende-Viertel II.
In 2014 the area gained notoriety. A refugee container camp was erected along with an existing refugee home. This prompted significant protests both in support of and against the refugees. This illustrates not just the changing face of Berlin but the lasting impact of decisions made in Salvador-Allende-Viertel II. This quiet residential area nestled in the woods remains a complex tapestry of history urban planning and community engagement.