Here stands Villa Todsen. It is more than just a building. It’s a portal to Flensburg’s past.
Villa Todsen is located at Stuhrsallee 31. It stands on the Friesischer Berg. This villa was once home to Hermann Bendix Todsen. He was Flensburg’s Lord Mayor.
The Villa Todsen dates back to 1899. It is a protected cultural monument.
Let’s delve into the story of Hermann Bendix Todsen. He was Oberbürgermeister of Flensburg from 1899 to 1930. Todsen significantly shaped Flensburg during his time in office. He was born in 1864 and died in 1946.
Todsen studied law. He began his career in public administration. In 1893, he became a city councilor. In 1894, he was appointed second mayor. By 1899, he had risen to the position of First Mayor.
During Todsen’s time, Flensburg experienced a construction boom. This was during the Prussian era. People built up the shores of the Flensburg Fjord. Wealthy citizens settled on the Western Heights. Todsen also decided to build his villa. He chose the western side of the city. It was on the edge of the Western Heights district.
The Villa Todsen was designed by architect Alexander Wilhelm Prale. He completed it in the late 19th century. The villa has two stories and a rendered facade. It features a striking hipped roof covered in slate. Contrasting brickwork frames give structure. The street facade is marked by a central projection with a gable. The entrance is on the north side. It includes an external staircase.
Inside the Villa Todsen, many original features remain. The staircase has colorful stained-glass windows. Living rooms boast stucco ceilings.
Todsen recognized the potential of the eastern shore of the fjord. This was near Mürwik. He included it in the city’s strategic planning. The neighboring communities grew as a result. Mürwik was incorporated into Flensburg in 1910.
Todsen’s tenure saw the completion of Flensburg’s infrastructure. This included the electricity plant, the slaughterhouse, and the fire department. The Naval Academy Mürwik was established. Various buildings in the Heimatschutz architectural style were constructed. These buildings still characterize Flensburg today. Todsen faced challenges, too. The North-Baltic Sea canal opened changing sea trade flows. There was also the First World War. In 1920, Northern Schleswig was separated. Flensburg became a border city.
Todsen served beyond the German Empire until 1930. He was a representative in the Prussian House of Lords. Later, he represented Flensburg in the Prussian State Council. Todsen is buried in the Mühlenfriedhof cemetery.
After leaving office, Todsen was made an honorary citizen of Flensburg. The Dr.-Todsen-Straße was named after him in 1961. In the 1930s, there were plans to name the Goethe School after Todsen. However, the Nazi authorities named it the Adolf Hitler School.
The Villa Todsen remains a testament to a transformative time. It reminds us of Hermann Bendix Todsen’s impact. His vision helped shape Flensburg into the city it is today. As you stand before Villa Todsen, consider the layers of history. Think about the man who once called this place home.