Neighbors rally to save their communities as 12 homes are slated for demolition
The Schwab-/Hebel-/Ekkehardstraße quarter in Friedrichshafen is undergoing plans for redevelopment, aiming to modernize and improve the residential area. Here's what we know so far:
Current Status: The redevelopment is in the planning and consultation phase, with the city of Friedrichshafen actively involved. The BImA, the Federal Office for Real Estate, owns the 2.4-hectare site and 16 buildings in the area. The existing stock, built in 1951, no longer meets modern energy standards.
Planned Improvements: The BImA plans to demolish 12 multi-family residential buildings and densify the area, creating more living space. The new concept of the quarter includes building barrier-free, affordable rental apartments, a neighborhood office, multifunctional community spaces, a kindergarten, and a neighborhood garage.
Resident Concerns: Some residents have expressed worries about the scale and density of the planned redevelopment, fearing that it might lead to overcrowding or loss of neighborhood character. Concerns over potential displacement or inadequate communication about timelines and impacts on current inhabitants have also been voiced. There is sensitivity regarding green spaces and preserving the quality of life during and after redevelopment.
City's Role: The city of Friedrichshafen is steering the redevelopment project, coordinating between housing companies, urban planners, and citizens. Efforts are being made to balance the development goals with residents’ concerns, including organizing public forums or information sessions. The city aims to ensure that the project aligns with broader urban development strategies and sustainability goals.
Tenant Involvement: At least three tenants are to sit on the jury of the architectural competition, but they have only a right to express their opinion, not to vote. An information event by the BImA on Monday, August 4, will take place online, and the residents urgently wish for real and honest participation.
Future Prospects: The plans include a rent limit for the new building, with a maximum of ten euros per square meter initially. However, some tenants are sceptical about this lasting. The project in the French quarter is expected to contribute to the relaxation of the housing market in the Lake Constance region.
Historical Context: The area was transferred to the Federal Property Office in the same year, which later became the BImA in 2005. The four houses on Schwabstraße are to be renovated because the floor area utilization there is relatively good, and there is a comparatively low potential for creating new living space in these buildings.
Addressing the Past: Many tenants have lived in the neighborhood for years and cultivate a lively and good neighborhood. Léon Schmitt regrets the maintenance backlog and the loss of a piece of the city's history through the demolition.
Overall, while the redevelopment of the Schwab-/Hebel-/Ekkehardstraße quarter presents significant opportunities for modernization, ongoing dialogue with residents and careful planning by the city administration remain crucial to address concerns and successfully implement the project.
In the proposed redevelopment of the Schwab-/Hebel-/Ekkehardstraße quarter, the focus will not only be on modernizing the residential area but also on improving the finance and real-estate sector. Future initiatives might include investing in new barrier-free, affordable rental apartments and densifying the area to create more living space, as part of the planned improvements. However, concerns from residents about the scale, density, potential displacement, and preservation of green spaces need to be addressed carefully during the investment process to maintain the quality of life in the region.
