Siedlung Auhofer Trennstück

Amidst the bustling cityscape of Vienna, nestled near the Lainzer Tiergarten, lies the Siedlung Auhofer Trennstück, often called the SAT-Siedlung. This unassuming neighborhood holds a captivating story of resilience, community, and the pursuit of a better life. The Siedlung Auhofer Trennstück emerged from the ashes of World War I. Originally part of the imperial hunting grounds, the area known as the Auhofer Trennstück was transferred to the government in 1912. Plans to relocate institutions like the Veterinary University and the Theresianum here were thwarted by the outbreak of war. In 1920, the City of Vienna leased the land, subleasing it to various groups. Among them was Franz Siller’s settler association, the “Siller Colony,” which would become the heart of the Siedlung Auhofer Trennstück. These settlers, many of whom were streetcar workers from the Speising depot, envisioned a self-sufficient community. They began building homes on the land, often without official permits. Life in the early Siedlung Auhofer Trennstück was challenging. The settlers, accustomed to city life, had to learn the ways of gardening, animal husbandry, and home construction. A borrowed kitchen barrack became a makeshift community center, serving as a meeting place, shelter, and even a tavern. The settlers’ determination is evident in their efforts to secure essential amenities. They dug wells for water, although drinking water still had to be carried from a public fountain a kilometer away. Eventually, they constructed a frost-proof water line, celebrating its completion in 1928 with a ceremony attended by Mauer officials. Electricity came later, thanks to a nearby film studio. The Vita Filmindustrie AG, which had built a state-of-the-art production facility in Mauer, provided power to the Siedlung Auhofer Trennstück as part of an agreement with the city. The film studio, though later changing hands several times, continued to supply electricity to the settlement. The Siedlung Auhofer Trennstück faced legal battles over land ownership. The initial lease agreement with the state forestry administration was short-lived, as the settlers’ construction of permanent homes was viewed as a breach of contract. The settlers ultimately purchased their plots directly from the state, but at a price reflecting the value of fully developed building land, despite their own labor in clearing and developing the area. Community spirit thrived in the SAT-Siedlung. A library, a theater group, and even a cooperative store were established. Educational courses, ranging from English language lessons to practical skills like shoe repair and wool spinning, were offered in the community center. The Siedlung Auhofer Trennstück also became home to a sports field, initially used by the HAC Nordstern football club and later by the ASV 13. Today, the Siedlung Auhofer Trennstück remains a desirable residential area. While many of the original shops and businesses are gone, the neighborhood’s unique history and strong sense of community continue to shape its character. The Siedlung Auhofer Trennstück stands as a testament to the vision and perseverance of those who sought to create a better life for themselves and their families in the aftermath of war.