BKS-Hochhaus

In the heart of Velbert, North Rhine-Westphalia, stands a remarkable architectural marvel known as the BKS-Hochhaus. Officially christened as Haus Niederberg during its inauguration in November 1958, this thirteen-story building is not just a residential and commercial complex but also serves as a water tower, making it a unique landmark in the region.

The Origins of BKS-Hochhaus

The story of BKS-Hochhaus begins with the establishment of the Essen-Kettwig Waterworks in 1891, which marked the first regulated water supply for Velbert's then 6,000 residents. As the population grew, the need for a more substantial water supply led to the construction of a larger water tower on Steeger Street in 1904, with a capacity of 900 cubic meters.

Plans for an even larger water tower were first conceived in 1938 but were delayed until after World War II. By 1953, the city of Velbert, now with over 50,000 inhabitants, faced a dual challenge: providing adequate water supply and addressing a housing shortage. Inspired by a similar successful project in Brühl, city planners decided to combine a water tower with a residential building. Despite initial financial hurdles, the project took off in April 1957 under the guidance of Willibald Janßen, the director of Velbert's municipal utilities.

Architectural Brilliance

The BKS-Hochhaus boasts a square footprint with a side length of 24 meters. Constructed using 7,000 tons of concrete, the building includes a ground-floor shopping arcade, ten residential floors with 77 apartments, a technical floor, and a top-floor restaurant. The crowning feature is the water tank, capable of holding 3,000 cubic meters of water, with a cross-section of 18 meters and a height of 12 meters.

At the time of its construction, the building's apartments were considered state-of-the-art, featuring double-glazed windows, fully equipped bathrooms, two elevators, a communal antenna system, and a shared laundry room. Each floor also had a garbage chute, with waste incinerated in the basement. The surrounding area was landscaped with a green space, a fountain, and a children's playground, while the rooftop restaurant offered dining with a view for up to 150 guests.

A Landmark in Transition

Although the building was officially named Haus Niederberg, it quickly became known as the BKS-Hochhaus due to the prominent BKS advertising signs installed by the neighboring company on all four sides of the roof. These signs were visible from afar and became synonymous with the building, even though BKS never owned it. The signs were removed in December 2021 due to disagreements with the municipal utilities, which led to the termination of the advertising contract.

Over the years, the top-floor restaurant closed and was repurposed by the Velbert AWO as a senior day center for 20 years. Since 2005, the floor has remained vacant, although some original fixtures from the restaurant era, such as doors, a counter, a coat rack, a table, and a corner bench, can still be found.

Modern-Day Usage

Today, the apartments in BKS-Hochhaus have transitioned from rental units to privately owned condominiums. The ground-floor shopping arcade continues to serve the community with a hair salon, an insurance office, and a beauty salon, maintaining the building's tradition of offering a village under one roof.

Literary Tribute

The BKS-Hochhaus has also found its place in literature. Author Wim Martin, who grew up near the building, paid homage to this iconic structure in his 2018 novel Das schlagende Herz. Years earlier, satirist Robert Gernhardt included a postcard featuring the BKS-Hochhaus in one of his works, alongside a satirical poem about Velbert.

Visiting the BKS-Hochhaus

Visitors to Velbert can marvel at the BKS-Hochhaus, a testament to innovative urban planning and architectural ingenuity. Its dual role as a residential building and water tower, combined with its historical significance and modern amenities, makes it a fascinating destination. Whether you're interested in architecture, history, or simply looking for a unique landmark to explore, the BKS-Hochhaus offers a glimpse into the past and present of Velbert.

So next time you're in Velbert, take a moment to appreciate the BKS-Hochhaus, a building that stands tall both literally and figuratively, embodying the spirit of a city that has seamlessly blended tradition with progress.