Cult compound in Karlsruhe faces impending demolition, marking the end of a significant era.
The Karlsruhe cultural house, fondly known as KJH and nestled between Marien- and Wilhelmstraße, is set for a significant transformation. After serving as the heart of Südstadt for nearly four and a half decades, the cultural house will be demolished to make way for a modern timber-frame building.
Built in the 1970s, the cultural house has become a much-loved meeting place for children and young people, hosting countless memories and stories. However, its age and wear have taken their toll, with water seepage, leaking pipes, and mineral blooms from the masonry becoming common issues.
The new building, estimated to cost around 10.8 million euros, will be constructed between green strips and Augartenstraße. Notably, the new structure will be barrier-free, ensuring accessibility for all.
Preparations for the move are already in full swing, with the move scheduled to start on September 15. During the construction period, the youth house team will temporarily relocate to the Luise-Riegger-Haus. The cultural house's usual activities, such as crafting, cooking, gaming, and dreaming, will continue at the Luise-Riegger-Haus, complete with beer tables, craft materials, and games.
Discussions about a new building for the cultural house have been ongoing for years, with the demolition tender having been issued. Excavators are scheduled to roll in between the end of September and December 2025. The construction time is planned to be two years, with a potential move-in date in 2028.
For many, the news of the cultural house's demolition brings a sense of nostalgia. However, the anticipation for the modern, barrier-free, and sustainable new building is palpable. The move aligns with trends in sustainable construction research in Karlsruhe, favouring timber-frame construction for its environmental benefits, such as carbon sequestration and the use of renewable materials.
It is worth noting that specific details regarding the demolition timeline, new construction plans, and the exact relocation date for KJH could not be found in the current search results. For precise details, it is recommended to consult local Karlsruhe municipal announcements or project-specific planning documents.
In the meantime, the much-loved Südstadt festival is likely to take a break during the construction period, allowing the community to look forward to the grand unveiling of the new cultural house in 2028. Famous artist Pietro Lombardi, who once played football at the cultural house, is among those eagerly awaiting the new beginning.
Other lifestyles and home-and-garden activities may temporarily move to the Luise-Riegger-Haus during the demolition and construction of the new modern, barrier-free, and sustainable timber-frame building for the cultural house, KJH, which is set to be constructed between green strips and Augartenstraße. After the remodeling is complete in 2028, these activities might be incorporated into the new building, reflecting the evolving needs of the children and young people it serves.
