THE RENOVATION OF THE SPANISH TOWER
With the Spanish Tower, the BS Kulturstiftung acquired a historically significant monument in 2019, which, as a landmark visible from afar, has an identity-creating effect for Rosenhöhe Park and the adjacent Oberfeld.
SECURING A CULTURAL MONUMENT
In order to preserve the building, which was threatened by acute decay, the foundation's initial aim was to renovate it professionally and in line with its listed status. This was completed within 2020, so that in addition to preserving an important testimony to Darmstadt's architectural history, a new cultural attraction was created on the Rosenhöhe.
EXTENSIVE MEASURES ON ALL TRADES
The renovation of the tower included extensive work on all trades as well as demanding restoration work to preserve the historic building fabric. Following extensive development work on the site, comprehensive measures were carried out on the roof truss and the roofing of the building, and windows and doors were installed in line with listed building requirements. The renovation of the electrical and sanitary installations as well as all interior and exterior plaster surfaces was also part of the project.
SUPPORT FROM THE GENERAL PUBLIC
All of the work was carried out in close coordination with the monument conservation authorities and with the involvement of specialist experts and restorers. Grants from the State Office for Monument Preservation and Sparkasse Darmstadt supported the project, while a crowdfunding campaign also enabled public participation.
SIMULTANEOUS DESIGN OF THE GARDEN
On the surrounding plot, the existing trees, some of which date back to around 1850, were preserved and extended with additional, landscape-oriented planting. This was not only intended to emphasize the garden character, but also to create a biotope for the local wildlife. The path that leads to the various stations of the exhibition is also based on a historical model. The aim of the design was to integrate the new area harmoniously into the existing natural space of the Rosenhöhe Landscape Park.