Battle for the American settlement: monument protection against new living dreams!

Battle for the American settlement: monument protection against new living dreams!

There is resistance in the Fasangarten district of Munich: residents of the historic “American settlement” in the Perlacher Forst are energetically committed to preserving their living environment. The 1950s settlement, which was originally built for members of the American military, is the focus of federal densification plans and could soon be significantly changed. City planning officer Elisabeth Merk has now announced that she will revise the building plans and examine alternatives to densification, such as tz.de reported.

The Federal Real Estate Agency (BImA) is planning to demolish 15 of the 54 building blocks to make room for five new residential buildings. In total, around 1,000 additional apartments are to be created, with a target rent of a maximum of ten euros per square meter. The plans are aimed primarily at federal employees such as police, customs and the Bundeswehr. But the plan is on the brink due to resistance in state and local politics sueddeutsche.de explained.

A popular residential area in focus

The “American settlement” is considered the largest and most important US settlement on German soil. It extends over 46 hectares and consists of three-storey terraced buildings surrounded by greenery and offers modern amenities such as schools, shops and a leisure center. Currently only the Cincinnati cinema is under monument protection, which further encourages the residents and the residential complexes at Perlacher Forst (IWAP) in their mission. They have already submitted a petition with 2,500 signatures to draw the attention of the Bavarian State Parliament's scientific committee to the need for monument protection.

The chairman of the science committee, Robert Brannekämper from the CSU, already supports the settlement's monument status. City planning officer Merk has now stated that the planned green courtyards will not be pursued further in the course of densification. An assessment of whether the entire settlement is worth protecting is underway, and an expert report on its urban development and cultural-historical significance has been commissioned.

Preservation of history vs. new living space

Alois Schwarzhuber from IWAP emphasized that the aim is not to completely prevent densification plans. Rather, the residents want to prioritize the preservation of their settlement and the appreciation of its history. Many criticize the fact that new living space is being created at the expense of monument protection and quality of life, while existing apartments in the settlement remain empty. Lawyer Benno Ziegler warns that planned interventions would irretrievably destroy valuable cultural heritage.

In summary, one could say that an exciting debate about living space and monument protection has currently broken out in Fasangarten. It remains to be seen whether it will be possible to find a way that balances both the need for new housing and the preservation of this important settlement.