Remember those old maps? Schönaus story began as a peripheral settlement. Today, we explore Schönaus transformation into a vibrant part of Mannheim.
Schönau is a borough in the north of Mannheim. It offers a blend of history and modern development. Covering almost 3 square kilometers, Schönau is home to over 12,000 residents.
Let’s delve into Schönau’s past. In 1913, the Schütte-Lanz shipyard marked the beginning of Schönau’s settlement. This shipyard built Schütte-Lanz airships. Street names like Luftschifferstraße remind us of this era.
After World War I, the first emergency dwellings appeared. Until the mid-1930s, the area belonged to the Evangelical Care of Schönau. This organization traced back to the Schönau Monastery, dissolved in 1558. The city of Mannheim acquired the area and began planned development. From 1936 to 1941, 600 “people’s apartments” were built. This was a National Socialist showcase project. However, an active resistance cell existed in Schönau.
After World War II, Schönau grew significantly. Many refugees came from former German territories. Streets are named after towns from these areas. Posen and Kattowitz are examples. The population rapidly increased between 1953 and 1963. In 1953, Schönau officially became a Mannheim district. The tram line from Waldhof extended to Schönau in 1964.
From 1983, the Nordost development area was settled. This area was a former US Army site. In 1992, riots broke out. These were caused by the accommodation of refugees.
Schönau has several notable sights. The Emmauskirche dates back to 1953. The Gute-Hirten-Kirche was completed in 1959 with its steeple. The Stephanuszentrum from 1967 was expanded in 1993.
East of the Riedbahn lies the Käfertaler Wald. This is Mannheim’s largest forest. It is a popular local recreation area.
Schönau is divided into Schönau-Nord and Schönau-Süd. These districts feature residential buildings and green spaces. Schönau-Nord has multi-family houses and social housing. Schönau-Süd has more single-family homes.
The district has several educational institutions. The Johanna-Geissmar-Gymnasium is one. It boasts Mannheim’s largest accessible area during breaks. Schönau also has the Schönauschule and the Kerschensteinerschule.
At the edge of Schönau lies an industrial park. Pepperl+Fuchs is its largest employer.
Schönau has faced challenges. A TV documentary led to a negative image. Yet, investments are improving the district rapidly.
Today, Schönau is a green district close to the Käfertaler Wald. Many clubs shape social life. Citizens created Baden-Württemberg’s first bunker museum here.
The “Schönauer Rochade” modernized all schools. There are also many kindergartens.
Schönau continues to evolve. It balances its historical roots with modern developments. Schönau offers a unique glimpse into Mannheim’s diverse urban landscape.