Schüren

In 1220, a whisper echoed through the valley, “de Scure iuxta Tremonam”. This, my friends, is the first documented mention of Schüren, a name that has evolved over centuries, much like the district itself. We stand now in Schüren, a southeastern district of Dortmund, a place steeped in history and whispering stories of its past. Schüren joined Dortmund in 1929. Yet, its independent spirit lives on. The very stones beneath our feet hold tales of industry and ingenuity. Schüren is divided into three distinct areas, each with its unique charm. Alt-Schüren, the old village, retains its rustic charm with its old farms and walls of Bruchstein. These stones, quarried from the local Schüren quarry, have witnessed centuries of change. This very quarry, now a protected archaeological site, provided Ruhr sandstone for Dortmund’s iconic churches. Schüren’s industrial heart beat strong. Konrad von Schüren, the first documented miner of the Ruhr region, toiled here in 1296. Long before the industrial revolution, Schüren fueled the region. Heavy industry followed, including the mining supplier Gustav Schade Maschinenfabrik. Though now demolished, the site gave way to “Am Rosenplätzchen,” a testament to Schüren’s constant evolution. West of Alt-Schüren lies a story of transformation. Once a housing colony for workers of the Zeche Freie Vogel – Unverhofft mine and later the Phoenix-Ost steelworks, it became a ghost town in the 1970s due to emissions. Now, the Alt-Schüren-West industrial area thrives. The former steelworks, dismantled and shipped to China, made way for the Phoenix-See, a modern living and commercial project. Northeast of Alt-Schüren, Schüren-Ost stands as a symbol of the 1960s urban planning. This planned community, with its green spaces and multi-family homes, attempted to blend the existing social fabric of Schüren with new residents. Today, the area’s design has sparked debate. Finally, we reach Stadtkrone-Ost. Until the 1990s, it housed British Rhine Army barracks. Now, it’s a hub for startups, IT companies, and service providers, including the ADAC headquarters. An exclusive residential area with modern architecture and a garden city feel complements the commercial zone. The Privatgymnasium Stadtkrone stands nearby. Schüren is more than just buildings and industry. It’s a community. In 2023, over 10,450 people called Schüren home. Its population has grown steadily since 1987. Schüren, from “de Scure” to the modern district, is a tapestry woven with threads of history, industry, and community.