Did you know the Siedlung Paul-Neumann-Straße offers more than just housing? It provides a glimpse into Potsdam’s history. This residential area began its story in the late 1920s. The Gewoba eG Babelsberg, a housing association, was founded in 1928. Soon after its founding, the Gewoba decided to acquire land from the city of Nowawes. It stretched from Stahnsdorferstrasse over Schützendamm to Blumenweg. The company planned to develop it using hereditary building rights.
A general meeting approved the building site. They also applied to Nowawes for a mortgage. The sum requested was 400,000 Reichsmark. Märkischer Wohnungsbau, under architect Wilhelm Ludewig, carried out the construction. Further construction phases were decided in 1929 and 1930. These included a heating plant and 75 apartments. Political changes in 1933 led to changes in the management.
Construction halted in 1938 because of World War II preparations. The Siedlung Paul-Neumann-Straße was nearly complete. At this time, it comprised 344 residential units. The last general meeting occurred in 1941. Cooperative life ceased. After the war, provisional management continued.
In 1945, Soviet forces seized a third of the housing stock. The first post-war general meeting took place in 1946. New board members were elected. From 1947 to 1952, the occupying forces partially released residential and commercial space. However, 128 apartments had to be given to the Ministry for State Security of the GDR.
The central laundry of the cooperative reopened in 1953. It remained in operation until 1987. In the late 1950s, the housing association changed its name. It became GWG Paul Neumann. The Siedlung Paul-Neumann-Straße was named to honor Paul Neumann. In 1959, the district heating system restarted. It provided limited hot water. Full hot water service for all households returned in 1976.
The cooperative celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1978. After German reunification, the monetary union arrived in 1990. The Gewoba prepared its opening balance sheet in Deutsche Mark. This conversion was essential for adapting to market economy conditions.
Extensive maintenance and modernization began in 1990. The heating plant was rebuilt. Media lines were replaced. New windows were installed. Facades and roofs were renovated. A new statute, compliant with federal cooperative law, was created.
The cooperative was re-registered in 1991. This restored its pre-1958 legal status. In 1994, the land was officially registered. It became the property of Gewoba e.G. Babelsberg. The 70th and 80th anniversaries were celebrated with members and guests.
Today, the Siedlung Paul-Neumann-Straße offers 2- and 3-room apartments. Some units include balconies. Residents enjoy convenient access to shops and public transport. The Filmpark Babelsberg is close by. The area includes a kindergarten and a sports field.
Living here also means the option to lease garden plots. It is an appealing feature for many residents. The Siedlung Paul-Neumann-Straße is more than just a place to live. It’s a community steeped in history. It reflects Potsdam’s journey through time.