Can you imagine founding a housing cooperative with just 22 people? That’s exactly how the story of the WGLi Wohnungsgenossenschaft Lichtenberg eG began. This is no ordinary housing provider. It is Berlin’s largest housing cooperative.
Let’s step back in time to June 4, 1954. The WGLi Wohnungsgenossenschaft Lichtenberg eG emerged. It was initially named Arbeiterwohnungsbaugenossenschaft Elektrokohle Lichtenberg. The aim was simple. It wanted to provide housing for employees of local businesses.
These businesses included VEB Siemens Plania. Also VEB PKM Kohleverarbeitung and the Konsum-Großbäckerei. This was a common practice in the DDR. Companies often built housing for their workers.
In 1955, the first building of the WGLi Wohnungsgenossenschaft Lichtenberg eG was completed. It had three entrances and was built using traditional methods. The construction cost 761,000 marks. By 1958, six buildings with 146 apartments were ready for occupancy. These buildings were on Rittergutstraße. Today it’s known as Josef-Orlopp-Straße.
But getting an apartment wasn’t just about money. Future residents had to contribute 200 hours of labor. This often involved cleaning construction sites. They also helped to prepare green spaces. Those who couldn’t provide labor had to pay more into the building fund.
The WGLi Wohnungsgenossenschaft Lichtenberg eG grew quickly. Smaller companies joined. Their employees became members. The cooperative expanded further by absorbing other cooperatives. Thousands of people were seeking housing.
In 1969, the WGLi Wohnungsgenossenschaft Lichtenberg eG began constructing large apartment blocks. These buildings had ten floors, elevators, and central heating. By 1974, the cooperative celebrated the completion of its 5,000th apartment. By 1977, it managed 10,489 apartments.
The economic situation changed drastically after 1990. The WGLi Wohnungsgenossenschaft Lichtenberg eG faced new challenges. It didn’t own the land its buildings stood on. The cooperative also had significant debts. These debts totaled 180 million DM.
On September 26, 1990, the cooperative adopted its current name. It created new statutes based on West German cooperative law. On November 27, 1991, it was officially registered as WGLi Wohnungsgenossenschaft Lichtenberg eG.
The Altschuldenhilfe-Gesetz helped to halve the cooperative’s debt. This saved it from bankruptcy. The WGLi Wohnungsgenossenschaft Lichtenberg eG became ownership-oriented. It privatized 15 percent of its housing stock.
From 1992, the WGLi Wohnungsgenossenschaft Lichtenberg eG began renovating its buildings. These buildings were 20 to 40 years old. The renovations were done gradually. Residents were not forced to move out temporarily. This improved the quality of life for residents.
In 2000, the WGLi Wohnungsgenossenschaft Lichtenberg eG finally acquired proper offices. Before this, the administration had been located in temporary buildings. The new office and residential building is at Landsberger Allee 180 A–B. This is now the headquarters.
In 2018, another new construction project began. “Wohnen am LichtGarten” replaced a demolished children’s center. By the summer of 2019, 107 new apartments were ready for residents.
Today, the WGLi Wohnungsgenossenschaft Lichtenberg eG is managed by a board. Thomas Kleindienst and Monika Thiele are board members. A supervisory board ensures due diligence.
The housing stock is divided into twelve “Kieze” based on location. There is also a rental and information office on Mellenseestraße. Teams are assigned to specific areas. Caretakers are employed in all buildings.
By the end of 2020, the WGLi Wohnungsgenossenschaft Lichtenberg eG had 132 employees. It also trains its own real estate management professionals.
Since 2017, the WGLi Wohnungsgenossenschaft Lichtenberg eG has used the slogan “Hier wohnen wir”. The cooperative also has mascots. Fenny and Fried are young ducks. Their names refer to Fennpfuhl and Friedrichsfelde. They appear at public events.
The WGLi Wohnungsgenossenschaft Lichtenberg eG offers many services. It provides guest apartments. It also enhances living comfort. It is well-regarded by its members. Regular surveys confirm this.
The WGLi Wohnungsgenossenschaft Lichtenberg eG organizes regular events. These include courtyard festivals. The member magazine keeps residents informed.
The WGLi Wohnungsgenossenschaft Lichtenberg eG invests in maintenance and modernization. It offers its members a high level of comfort. It provides security through a unique rental concept. The well-being of its members is the focus.
So, the WGLi Wohnungsgenossenschaft Lichtenberg eG isn’t just a housing provider. It’s a community. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when people come together. They strive to create a better place to live. From humble beginnings to Berlin’s largest, its story is one of resilience. It also shows commitment and community spirit.