“Vom Sumpf umgeben” what does that mean for the Schlaatz? Today we explore this Potsdam district. Schlaatz is known for its diverse population and green spaces. It is the youngest district in Potsdam. ProPotsdam manages around 2,500 apartments here.
The name “Schlaatz” has Slavic origins. It means “surrounded by swamp”. The Nuthe River once flowed through a swamp area here. Concepts for today’s residential area began in 1978. The first residents moved in 1985. Remnants of the Nuthewiesen border the northeast side. They now form a nature reserve.
Schlaatz boasts many green spaces. Beautiful avenues connect the district. The Nuthe Riverbank is right outside the door. Almost 10,000 people live in Schlaatz. This includes about 1,600 children and teenagers. Schlaatz is Potsdam’s youngest district. It offers many kindergartens, schools, and playgrounds.
Schlaatz didn’t always have a good reputation. But today, Schlaatz is full of promise. An extensive development plan is underway. It includes renovated houses and repaired roads. Beautiful green spaces are also planned. This will improve the quality of life. ProPotsdam supports this development.
The social infrastructure in Schlaatz is good. Growing cohesion and intercultural exchange are helping Schlaatz progress. Many great initiatives have emerged. These include the neighborhood meeting point. You can find it at the Friedrich-Reinsch-Haus. There is also the House of Generations and Cultures. It is located in Milanhorst. Finally, there is the Buergerhaus am Schlaatz. It is located in Schilfhof.
The Mieterclub Schilfhof 20 celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2018. It is a model for neighborhood cooperation. It shows a community with a future. ProPotsdam supports neighborhood projects. They foster a vibrant community.
Until 1987 the Schlaatz was built on the Nuthe meadows. Street names in Schlaatz often end in “Horst”, “Hof”, or “Kiez”. Mosaics on the gables depict the street names. The construction happened in three stages. The second and third phases used “Ratio-Wohnungen”. Early apartments averaged 60 square meters. Later apartments averaged 56 and 54 square meters. Extra walls converted 2-room apartments into 3-room ones. Also 3-room apartments were converted to 4-room apartments.
Large amounts of gravel were needed to build Schlaatz. Gravel was transported from a quarry. It was located at Stern via a pipeline. This created the Baggersee am Stern.
After 1990, many people moved away from the Schlaatz. Those who could afford it sought larger apartments elsewhere. The Schlaatz became seen as a social hotspot. Later, housing associations countered the decline. They implemented renovations and redesigns until 2006. The Schlaatz saw a population increase. Young people and students moved here. They appreciated the green location. They also liked the access to the city center. Plus, the affordable housing attracted them. At that time, 8,660 people lived in Schlaatz. They occupied 5,473 apartments. The average age was 36.9 years.
The Buergerhaus am Schlaatz was established during the redesign. It became the local cultural center. Since 2007, the “Soziale Stadt” program has supported Schlaatz. It provides funding for sociocultural projects. It also supports health, education, and volunteer work. This further develops the Schlaatz.
The Buergerhaus am Schlaatz is a vibrant community center. It is a hub for residents of all ages. It offers a welcoming space for interaction. It also provides cultural activities and community engagement. The Buergerhaus is there for everyone. It hosts a wide range of activities. These include workshops, exhibitions, and performances. You can also find educational programs and social gatherings there.
The Schlaatz continues to evolve. It balances urban living with nature. It shows a commitment to community and quality of life. A former swamp has become a thriving district.