Transformed residential zones: townhouses potentially transition to dwelling spaces for residents.
In the heart of Bergisch Gladbach, a transformative housing project is underway, spearheaded by project engineer Johannes Ditsche. The vision is to convert old city houses into a community-oriented residential quarter, potentially accommodating up to 99 apartments.
The proposed cooperative housing complex, if realised, will prioritise sustainability, accessibility, and a strong social fabric. Members of the cooperative will collectively own and manage the property, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
The apartments will cater to diverse groups, including families, singles, retirees, trainees, and refugees. To ensure affordability, rents will be tiered based on income. The project is designed to be multigenerational, with mixed-use spaces that include communal gardens, hobby rooms, and shared facilities to encourage social interaction and mutual support.
Accessibility and practical facilities will be paramount, with barrier-free access, elevators, and parking options. The cooperative model will also include spaces for cultural activities, sports, coworking, car sharing, and shared laundry or kitchen facilities, enhancing quality of life and resource efficiency.
Residents will have the opportunity to participate in shaping daily life and community rules, promoting solidarity and ecological living. The project is committed to preserving the old city houses in the city centre and creating barrier-free living space there.
The city houses between Gohrsmühle and Konrad-Adenauer-Platz, originally planned for demolition, are currently under investigation for renovation feasibility. If the results are positive, further feasibility and economic studies can be commissioned.
Johannes Ditsche is applying for the project's inclusion in the Regionale 2025 program, with the hope of receiving support for the cooperative model. If approved, the residential quarter will be developed without demolition and new construction, with essential cultural elements preserved.
The project aims to address the issue of scarce housing by moving older homeowners into the new quarter, freeing up their single-family houses for families. Johannes Ditsche has been planning housing for over 40 years and has expressed concern about the growing number of older homeowners who desire more community, less responsibility, and affordable and barrier-free housing in old age.
For more information about Johannes Ditsche's plans, subscribers of the local newsletter "The Day in GL", sent every morning at 7:07 AM, can find detailed updates. The project's ownership will be a citizen cooperative, which Johannes Ditsche is currently preparing.
[1] [The Day in GL](https://www.dayingl.de), 2022. "The we-house project: a sustainable multigenerational cooperative housing initiative in Herne-Sodingen." Accessed 10 May 2023.
The we-house project, envisioned for Bergisch Gladbach, intends to evolve into a lifestyle sanctuary, blending home-and-garden aesthetics with a community-focused ethos. This transition will involve the transformation of old city houses into a cohesive residential quarter, offering a mix of apartment types appealing to families, singles, retirees, trainees, and refugees alike.
