Once, this villa was more than just bricks and mortar. It was a family’s sanctuary. Today we are standing in front of Villa Henninger. It stands at Wendelsweg 64. This villa whispers stories of brewing empires and a family’s legacy.
Villa Henninger was completed in 1875. It became the heart of the Henninger Brewery’s story. In 1869, the brewery settled east of Wendelsweg’s lower section. Heinrich Henninger took over in 1874. It was then named Henninger Bräu. Soon after, they started building Villa Henninger.
Later, Bruno Schubert acquired the brewery. He also acquired Villa Henninger. His wife gave birth to all eight of their sons in this villa. Imagine the laughter and commotion that once filled these rooms.
Max Beckmann was a friend of Mrs. Schubert. In 1928, he painted “Der Wendelsweg in Frankfurt am Main” at her request. The painting depicts Villa Henninger and part of Wendelsweg. It is not entirely accurate.
The brewery and Villa Henninger eventually belonged to Bruno H. Schubert. He was the eldest son. In the mid-1950s, he built another villa. It was on the 1.7-hectare parkland. Today, it is known as the “Schubert Garden”. The new villa was completed in 1956. It is barely visible from the street. This is Villa Schubert. Its entrance is at number 70. Schubert Garden covers the entire property. It stretches from numbers 64 to 70.
Schubert sold the brewery in 1980. Reemtsma bought it, including the land. However, Schubert kept both villas. He continued to live in Villa Schubert. He secured lifelong residency there. In Villa Henninger, he established the Honorary Consulate of Chile. He had been appointed Consul General of Chile in 1952. Both villas became listed monuments.
However, permission to demolish the listed Villa Schubert was granted. This caused outrage in the neighborhood. A citizens’ initiative formed. They sought to prevent the destruction. They considered Schubert’s receptions as an exceptional Frankfurt tradition. Schubert’s former oak dining table was famous. He hosted guests like Niki Lauda there.
Since 1999, the entire site belongs to Actris. Daniel Hopp manages it. He is the son of SAP co-founder Dietmar Hopp. Actris plans to build 800 apartments on the nine-hectare site. Prices range from 3,400 to 6,000 euros per square meter.
Wendelsweg owes its name to a chapel. It was built in 1369. It was dedicated to Saint Wendelinus. It stood on Wendelsplatz. In 1394, the first Frankfurt fountain was built. It was next to the chapel. It was called “Born hinter St. Wendelin”. Its source was on Wendelsweg.
Villa Henninger remains. It is a reminder of Frankfurt’s brewing history. It also embodies family stories. It stands as a testament to time.