Meyer'schehäuser: Leipzig's dream home has been on the rise for 125 years!

Meyer'schehäuser: Leipzig's dream home has been on the rise for 125 years!

The Meyer Houses in Leipzig look back on an impressive history. The four residential complexes, which were built between 1887 and 1937, have stood for affordable and healthy living in the city for 125 years. Originally called colonies, they offer bright and inexpensive apartments primarily to people with below-average income. My church newspaper reports that Hermann Julius Meyer (1826–1909), a visionary publisher, founded the “Association for the Construction of Cheap Apartments in Leipzig” in 1888.

The architectural design of the complex goes back to the architect Max Pommer (1847–1915), who developed standardized housing types. By 1937, a total of 286 Meyer houses with 2,695 apartments were built, which are characterized by healthy living conditions, green courtyards and community facilities such as kindergartens. The rental prices were originally based on the income of the tenants - a practice that continues to this day.

Current developments and renovations

The Meyer'schehäuser Foundation currently manages around 2,271 listed apartments in Leipzig, which are relatively cheap compared to the sometimes extremely high market rents. One focus is on the renovation of 39 rental units in Kleinzschocher, as the foundation's website reports Meyer houses. The renovation is being carried out with the support of the city of Leipzig, in accordance with a funding guideline for the activation of empty apartments.

The aim of this funding program is to create social housing. In order to be able to move into the newly renovated apartments, those interested need a white residence permit. The modernization measures include the renewal of laminate, doors, electrical systems as well as the renovation of roofs and facades. Newly created 1- and 3-room apartments as well as a 4-room apartment, equipped with balconies. What is particularly pleasing is that the first 36 newly renovated apartments are already fully rented.

Community events and positive feedback

The community of residents is the focus of the activities surrounding the Meyer Houses. A particularly popular event is the children's festival, which brought joy to the foundation in 2023. The event received positive feedback as it not only boasted a sold-out cake and bratwurst stand, but also offered a children's carousel as a highlight. Such events strengthen a sense of community and contribute to the quality of life in the district.

The foundation has also created a calendar for the coming year 2024, which offers insights into the current and past quality of life in the Meyer houses. This constant development and the commitment to social housing policy show that the Meyer houses will remain an attractive place to live in Leipzig in the future.