
The Margarethenhöhe in Essen is named after its founder, Margarethe Krupp. Her architect Georg Metzendorf linked the idea of social housing with romantically-styled façades. Metzendorf was a member of the Werkbund association, an advocate of the “Folkwang idea” and was in contact with the circle of artists grouped around Karl Ernst Osthaus in Hagen.
Metzendorf realised his concept of a “small house” with its own garden. In addition, the families received the most modern comforts of living – at the time that meant bath, WC and central heating.
The heart of Gartenstadt Margarethenhöhe is formed by the picturesque market square with its axis of guesthouse (now Hotel-Restaurant Margarethenhöhe), fountain and former Krupp’sche Konsumanstalt store (now a supermarket).
Today, the Margarethenhöhe remains in the possession of the Margarethe Krupp-Stiftung für Wohnungsfürsorge (a foundation for housing).
Thanks to the reconstruction of the houses after the Second World War, the housing complex can be visited in its historical form. It was designated as a protected historical area in 1987.
Links
Margarethenhöhe Route Industriekultur
Margarethenhöhe
Margarethe-Krupp-Stiftung
Wikipedia-Eintrag Margarethenhöhe