Cologne: GAG Housing Estate

1927 – 1928

Architect: Otto Müller-Jena

Alpenerstraße 26–34, 21–37; Borsigstraße 15–19; Marienstraße 123–129, 120–134; Subbelrather Straße 409; Cologne-Ehrenfeld

The listed housing estate of Gemeinnützige Wohnungsbau AG (GAG) on Alpener Straße in Cologne-Ehrenfeld with its clear lines and plastered facades with brick elements was built between 1927 and 1928 according to plans by Otto Müller-Jena.

The aim was to create multi-story apart­ments in as simple a form as possible.

Despite the very limited budget, the architect Otto Müller-Jena succeeded in realizing a settlement with varied facade design, inner courtyards, stores and social facilities, as well as play and recreation facilities for children.

The first residents of the settlement were working-class families employed in the factories in the immediate vicinity.

The apart­ments were origi­nally equipped with coal stoves and later heated with electric heaters.

In 2020, extensive moder­niz­ation became necessary.

The housing estate was extended by 105 apart­ments. For the first time, a heating system was installed, with which the apart­ments can now be heated in an energy-efficient manner.

The roofs were repaired and insulated, as were the attic floors and basement ceilings.

The facades were cleaned and repaired.

The PVC windows were replaced with wooden mullioned windows in keeping with the historic preser­vation order.