Altes Rathaus

The Altes Rathaus, or Old Town Hall, in Dreieich-Sprendlingen, Hessen, Germany, stands as a testament to early 20th-century architecture and the rich historical tapestry of the region. Nestled in the heart of Sprendlingen at Hauptstraße 17, this building is a captivating blend of historical significance and architectural charm. Built in 1910, the Altes Rathaus is a protected monument that continues to draw visitors with its unique style and storied past.

The History of Altes Rathaus

The story of the Altes Rathaus begins in the early 20th century when a design competition was held for the construction of a new town hall and the adjacent Stadtapotheke. Out of 45 submissions, the design by local architects Georg Löffler and Heinrich Runkel was selected. Construction commenced in the spring of 1909, and by August 21, 1910, the building was officially inaugurated.

This period marked a significant shift in the town’s layout, as the construction of the new town hall and Stadtapotheke moved the village center from the Erasmus-Alberus-Kirche and Lindenplatz directly to the main thoroughfare that connected the town to Offenbach and Frankfurt. For decades, the Altes Rathaus was the tallest secular building in the community, symbolizing the town's growth and modernization.

In 1935, the municipality acquired the neighboring Gasthaus zum Engel to expand the town hall. Fortunately, the building survived World War II without damage. Post-1965, the Altes Rathaus underwent modernization, including the addition of a rear extension and the installation of large aluminum windows in the gable end. Even after the merger of Sprendlingen and Dreieichenhain with other local communities to form the city of Dreieich in 1977, the Altes Rathaus retained its central administrative role.

A notable moment in the building's history occurred in 1979 when a commemorative plaque was installed on the wall facing Rathausstraße, honoring the Sprendlingen synagogue destroyed during the November Pogroms of 1938. However, with the construction of a new town hall at Hauptstraße 45, the Altes Rathaus eventually lost its primary function. In 2004, the city transferred the building and its adjacent property to an investor under a leasehold agreement, who then restored it in accordance with historical preservation guidelines. The city of Dreieich regained control of the building on January 1, 2022.

Architectural Marvel

The Altes Rathaus, designed in the Heimatstil or homeland style, is an architectural gem. The building, along with the Stadtapotheke, forms a cohesive ensemble that was enhanced by the creation of a new street, the Rathausstraße, between the two properties. The town hall itself is a two-story structure topped by a steep, two-tiered gable roof with a small hipped dormer and a roof lantern.

The building's design draws inspiration from historical models, with proportions and outlines reminiscent of timber-framed buildings from nearby Seligenstadt, yet constructed with contemporary materials. The ground floor is prominently clad in sandstone, featuring a large round-arched gateway supported by consoles. The upper floor boasts an expansive bay window with a balustrade, also made of sandstone, which spans nearly the entire width of the building. This floor also bears the names of the architects and the year 1910, etched into the stone. The rest of the façade is plastered, with the same color scheme used for both the town hall and the pharmacy, enhancing the ensemble's visual impact. The building's historical, artistic, and urban significance has earned it protected status.

Visiting Altes Rathaus

Today, the Altes Rathaus serves as a commercial building, but its historical essence remains palpable. Visitors can admire the building's architectural details and imagine the bustling administrative activities that once took place within its walls. The ground floor's grand sandstone entrance, with its imposing round arch, invites you to step back in time and appreciate the craftsmanship of a bygone era.

As you explore the area, take a moment to reflect at the commemorative plaque honoring the synagogue destroyed during the November Pogroms. This poignant reminder of the town's history adds a layer of depth to your visit, connecting the architectural beauty of the Altes Rathaus with the broader historical context of Dreieich.

The Altes Rathaus is not just a building; it is a symbol of Sprendlingen's evolution and resilience. Its walls have witnessed over a century of change, from its early days as the tallest building in the community to its modern role as a commercial space. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, the Altes Rathaus offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and a testament to the enduring spirit of Dreieich.