Envision a landscape transformed. Here at Stahlwerk Phoenix-West, history echoes in the imposing industrial structures. This is no ordinary industrial site. This is a symbol of Dortmund’s evolution.
Stahlwerk Phoenix-West began as Hermannshütte in 1841. Hermann Diedrich Piepenstock founded it in Hörde. Dortmund’s location was ideal for steel production. It sat at the crossroads of trade routes, near coal and iron ore. A decade later, the Hochofenwerk Phoenix-West was established.
In 1906, a fusion created Phoenix-West and Phoenix-Ost. At that time, they were among the largest industrial operations in Germany. Later, in 1966, the Hörder Hüttenunion AG merged with Hoesch AG. Phoenix-West became one of four Hoesch sites in Dortmund.
Yet, by 1991, Thyssen-Krupp took over Hoesch. They shifted focus to Duisburg. Consequently, Dortmund’s steel production declined. The Hochofenwerk Phoenix-West closed in 1998. Phoenix-Ost followed in 2001. Two large brownfields emerged.
Today, Phoenix-West stands as an industrial monument. The two remaining blast furnaces reach almost 100 meters high. They are complete with buildings and equipment. See the wind heaters and the distinct water tower. These blast furnaces, numbers 5 and 6, are fenced. Access is only via guided tours. The Skywalk offers a spectacular approach on the old, elevated gas pipe.
Around the industrial monument, a mix of businesses, parks, and recreation areas has sprung up. Streets serve the businesses. The Phoenix-Platz sits before the former gas blower hall. This hall is now the Phoenix-Halle event center.
The Phoenix-Park spans over half of the brownfield. At 61 hectares, it is mostly green space. It forms part of a green corridor. The corridor extends from the Stadtgarten to the Dortmund Zoo. This green space also protects rare plants and animals. These settled during the fallow period. The Phoenix-Park also uses soil from the construction of the Phoenix-See.
Opposite the blast furnaces is the Phoenix-Halle. Built in 1906, this former gas blower hall features brickwork and steel beams. A crane runway runs through the central bay. Currently, it hosts the “Phoenix des Lumières” exhibition. It displays moving images of Klimt and Hundertwasser.
The large, visible gasometer stands nearly 80 meters tall. It bears the inscription “HOESCH”. Until 1964, it stored gas. This gas was a byproduct of the on-site coking plant and blast furnaces. The gas heated the coking ovens. It also supplied the municipal gas network. After the coking plant closed, the Hoesch-Gasometer stored gas for the Hansa coking plant.
The Skywalk offers a unique perspective. It crosses the Phoenix-Halle on a thick, elevated gas pipe. This pipe stands 26 meters high, running east to west. A staircase with 99 steps leads to the 350-meter-long walkway. From here, observe the blast furnace plant, the gasometer, and the surrounding slopes. See the Hympendahl viaduct and the nearby Hellweg railway line.
Bergmann Brewery adds to Phoenix-West’s appeal. Since 2017, the brewery has produced Dortmund’s Bergmann beer here. The brewery has a Stehbierhalle. Food trucks offer varied menus.
Halden surround Phoenix-West. These include the Hympendahl, Schallacker, and Entenpoth heaps. The Entenpoth heap acts as a noise barrier. All three are now public viewpoints.
Stahlwerk Phoenix-West is a testament to Dortmund’s resilience. It is where industry meets recreation. It is where history meets the future.