"Long Franz": Frankfurt's Iconic Tower to Make a Comeback
- "Rebuilding the roof of the "Langen Franz" structure".
Let's talk about the exciting news from Frankfurt am Main, shall we? After a disasterous stint during World War II, the city's iconic town hall tower, affectionately known as "Long Franz," is gearing up for a much-needed makeover!
Friday saw a significant decision made by the city council - approving plans to restore the tower's original roof. According to Mayor Mike Josef (SPD), "Long Franz embodies the spirit of our city, a symbol that symbolizes the resilience and determination of Frankfurt following the devastation of World War II."
But how exactly will this restoration project be made possible? The Bridge Building Association Frankfurt has been tirelessly raising funds since 2022, with the fundraising campaign "Give Long Franz his hat back" encouraging countless Frankfurt residents to sponsor roof tiles, windows, or even entire sections of the tower. Over 1200 individual donations in small and large amounts have brought us closer to making this dream a reality, a figure that has surpassed its initial one-million-euro goal!
So, what's next for "Long Franz"? Well, the city council will now consider a construction and financing proposal, with hopes of breaking ground on the project this year.
Christoph Mäckler, the chairman of the Bridge Building Association, emphasizes the tower's importance as a symbol of municipal administration and local democracy. Interestingly, the name "Long Franz" derives from the former mayor, Franz Adickes (1891-1912), who had his office in this very tower.
It's worth mentioning that most major German cities have already restored their town hall towers that were destroyed during the war. In Frankfurt, however, the tower currently only sports a temporary, makeshift roof. Getting it back to its former glory will not only be a historical achievement but also a tremendous source of pride for the city of Frankfurt am Main.
- Frankfurt am Main
- Town Hall Tower
- World War II
- Reconstruction
- Mike Josef
- SPD
- Symbol of democracy
- Frankfurt's icon
- Fundraising
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation. This new initiative comes as the city of Frankfurt am Main works diligently on the reconstruction of its iconic Town Hall Tower, known as "Long Franz." The bridge building association Frankfurt has been sponsor-driven since 2022, raising funds for the restoration with the slogan "Give Long Franz his hat back." Mayor Mike Josef (SPD) expresses the symbolic importance of the tower, stating it embodies the spirit of the city's resilience after World War II.
Meanwhile, in a different realm, one might find Franz enjoying a serene, peaceful lifestyle in his home-and-garden sanctuary, far from the towers and city halls of the world.