Köster-Stiftung

The Köster-Stiftung, formally the Heinrich und Caroline Köster Testament-Stiftung, is a non-profit foundation based in Hamburg-Barmbek-Nord, Germany. It was established in 1885 through the will of merchant and shipowner Heinrich Köster, who died in 1884, and his wife Caroline. Its original purpose was to build housing for impoverished large families and elderly people at the lowest possible rents, following the principle of 'help for self-help'. Today the foundation continues to provide affordable rental apartments for older people with low incomes, alongside modern social services, care, and community programmes. It operates a senior centre in the Vogelviertel area of Barmbek and is expanding into the new Grenzbachviertel neighbourhood. The foundation employs around 90 staff members and also engages volunteers through the Federal Volunteer Service (BFD) and the Voluntary Social Year (FSJ). It joined the Hamburg Alliance for Housing Foundations (Hamburger Bündnis für Wohnstifte) on 14 October 2019. The foundation is governed by a board that, according to its statutes, must include at least one descendant of Heinrich and Caroline Köster and preferably an Protestant pastor.

The Köster-Stiftung was founded in 1885 as the Heinrich und Caroline Köster Testament-Stiftung, following the will of Heinrich Köster dated 14 May 1879. Heinrich Köster, born in Hamburg on 13 January 1803, was a merchant and shipowner who had spent 30 years in North and South America before returning to Hamburg in 1851. He bequeathed one million gold marks (approximately 6.4 million euros today) to establish a foundation that would build housing for impoverished large families and elderly people at the lowest possible rents. Heinrich Köster died on 30 August 1884, and his wife Caroline, née Benjamin, ensured his wishes were carried out in her own will; she died on 10 September 1894. The first honorary administrators were appointed effective 1 February 1895. The foundation's statutes require that the board include at least one descendant of the Köster family and preferably an Protestant pastor. In 1897, the original 16 houses on Kirchentwiete were slated for demolition due to street widening. After negotiations, the foundation acquired land on Bramfelder Straße in Barmbek and near Tarpenbekstraße in Eppendorf. An agreement with the city of Hamburg on 18 February 1901 settled property matters. Between 1901 and 1906, 23 new houses were built on Kösterstraße in Eppendorf, and 14 terraced houses were built on Kösterallee in Barmbek by November 1901, with further construction in 1903 and 1927. From 1929, the senior residential foundation 'Haus Köster' (today Haus Köster 1) was built on Kösterallee according to plans by architect Paul Frank, completed in 1932 with an additional wing. During Operation Gomorrha in 1943, the terraced houses on Kösterallee were almost completely destroyed, and the senior home was heavily damaged. The destroyed apartments were rebuilt by 1953, and the arcades were fully renewed in 1964/65. The building was listed as a monument in 1981. In 1974, planning began for a new building, Haus Köster 2, designed by architect Gerhard Langmaack, to offer assisted living services. The foundation continues to operate today, providing affordable housing and social services, and joined the Hamburger Bündnis für Wohnstifte on 14 October 2019.

• 2019

  The foundation joins the Hamburger Bündnis für Wohnstifte on 14 October.

• 1981

  Haus Köster 1 is placed under monument protection.

• 1974

  Planning begins for Haus Köster 2, designed by Gerhard Langmaack.

• 1964

  Arcades of Haus Köster 1 are fully renewed (1964/65).

• 1953

  Destroyed apartments in Haus Köster 1 are rebuilt.

• 1943

  Operation Gomorrha destroys the terraced houses on Kösterallee and heavily damages the senior home.

• 1932

  Haus Köster 1 is completed with an additional wing.

• 1929

  Construction begins on the senior residential foundation 'Haus Köster' (Haus Köster 1) designed by Paul Frank.

• 1901

  Agreement with the city of Hamburg on 18 February settles property matters; construction begins on Kösterstraße and Kösterallee.

• 1895

  First honorary administrators appointed effective 1 February.

• 1894

  Caroline Köster dies on 10 September.

• 1885

  The Heinrich und Caroline Köster Testament-Stiftung is founded.

• 1884

  Heinrich Köster dies on 30 August.

• 1879

  Heinrich Köster signs his will on 14 May, bequeathing one million gold marks to establish the foundation.

Non-profit provider of affordable housing and social services for older people in Hamburg.

• Affordable rental apartments for seniors

  Low-cost housing for older people with limited income in Hamburg-Barmbek.

• Assisted living services

  Support and care services for residents and the wider neighbourhood.

• Community activities and workshops

  Cultural, social, and recreational programmes such as calligraphy workshops, dance, and concerts.

1. 1Köster Stiftungkoester-stiftung.de
2. 2Team - Über uns - Köster Stiftungkoester-stiftung.de
3. 3Köster-Stiftungwikidata.org
4. 4Köster-Stiftungde.wikipedia.org