Quelle: © Bildarchiv Foto Marburg / Foto: Hajdu, Rose; Aufn.-Datum: 2001
https://www.bildindex.de/media/obj20147271/rhsgmm616_10&medium=rhsgmm616_10?part=0

Pergola in Schwäbisch Gmünd: Monument with an Impressive History Under Restoration

The pergola on Lindenfirststraße in Schwäbisch Gmünd is an impressive testament to the railway history and social life of the 19th century. The listed structure was built in the mid-19th century by royal building surveyor and later director of construction Georg von Morlok, one of Württemberg’s most renowned railway engineers. Von Morlok played a significant role in the construction of the Schwäbisch Gmünd train station and the reconstruction of Stuttgart Central Station.

As part of the planning for the Aalen–Stuttgart railway line, a portion of a park-like garden belonging to an industrialist had to be sacrificed for the railway construction. As compensation, von Morlok built the pergola as a new representative garden feature. It offered not only a stunning view of the city and passing trains but also became a popular venue for social events. At the end of the 19th century, the property passed into the ownership of the Frank industrial family and was later inhabited by the Heyd family for several generations.

A Significant Monument at Risk

The pergola was officially recognized as a cultural monument of Baden-Württemberg in 1989. However, time took its toll on the structure over the decades. After a change of ownership in 2015, the pergola remained in urgent need of restoration despite the renovation of the associated villa.

In 2021, a fungal infestation affecting a more than 30-meter-tall, listed ash tree made it necessary to fell the tree. The unstable tree posed a significant threat to the structure. Just a few months later, water damage along the historic rusticated wall caused additional structural issues. Due to the danger posed by water and the unstable condition of the structure, the Monument Office, Building Department, and municipal utilities approved an emergency dismantling.

 

Emergency Dismantling and Preservation

Under the direction of architect and monument expert Paul Philipp Waldenmaier and with the support of local craftsmen, the pergola was secured and professionally dismantled in September 2021. Within just seven working days, the roofs and wooden elements were carefully removed and cataloged for preservation. Stone columns and the historic wrought-iron gate were also documented and stored. At the same time, damaged water and gas lines were repaired.

Joint Effort for Reconstruction

The owners’ community founded the association “Eisenbahn-Belvedere-Pergola-Schwäbisch-Gmünd e.V.” to organize the reconstruction and sustainable preservation of the structure. Architect Waldenmaier emphasized the cultural importance of the pergola: “This structure tells a story of its time and is a valuable testimony to cultural heritage that must be preserved.”

A Monument for Future Generations

The goal is clear: The pergola is to be preserved as a historic landmark and restored to its original state. During the Open Monument Day in September 2021, over 160 visitors took the opportunity to view the structure before its dismantling. The enthusiasm and interest of the public demonstrate strong support for the project. “We want to preserve the pergola as a distinctive feature of the cityscape for future generations,” said project coordinator Udo Eckloff.

Reconstruction of the Eisenbahn-Belvedere-Pergola in Schwäbisch Gmünd Secured

The historic Eisenbahn-Belvedere in Schwäbisch Gmünd will be restored and rebuilt at its original location. A newly founded association will coordinate this ambitious project.

In October 2022, the “Eisenbahn-Belvedere-Pergola-Schwäbisch-Gmünd e.V.” was officially established. The association is recognized as a non-profit organization by the Schwäbisch Gmünd tax office and registered under number VR 722252 at the Ulm Register of Associations. Together with monument experts, the association aims to sustainably preserve and make this culturally and architecturally valuable monument accessible again.

Project Planning and Financing

Preliminary studies revealed that the reconstruction and long-term preservation of the structure will cost approximately 1.6 million euros. Local authorities and funding agencies, including the State Office for Monument Preservation, encouraged the association’s officials to push forward despite the high investment costs.

Due to its classification as a monument of national significance, the chances of obtaining support were favorable. Under Udo Eckloff’s coordination, the association submitted three funding applications, leading to significant funding commitments in 2024:

  • €500,000 from the State Office for Monument Preservation Baden-Württemberg
  • €600,000 from the federal Monument Protection Special Program
  • €125,000 from the Monument Foundation of Baden-Württemberg
  • €30,000 from the city of Schwäbisch Gmünd

This financial support laid a vital foundation for the reconstruction. Prior to this, the initiators had already funded the preservation, analytical studies, and the professional dismantling and storage of the monument’s elements.

Detailed Restoration Measures

The preliminary studies provided clear guidelines for the restoration:

  • Woodwork: Replacement of irreparable wooden elements, new roof sheathing, and restoration of decorative parts in line with monument guidelines
  • Roofing: Reconstruction in the original style with final coordination with monument preservation authorities
  • Metalwork: Restoration of the historic gate at the lower entrance
  • Pergola Access: Repair and redesign with attractive landscaping

The restoration work will be carried out by Münsterbaumeister Paul Philipp Waldenmaier in cooperation with structural engineers, engineering firms, and skilled trades.

Continued Commitment of the Association

The non-profit association will continue to rely on public funding and donations to implement the ambitious project. The goal is for the Eisenbahn-Belvedere to soon welcome train passengers and residents of Schwäbisch Gmünd as a prominent “gateway to the Staufer city.”

 

The Association Relies on Public Funding and Donations!

To support this initiative, the association has set up a dedicated donation account:

Eisenbahn-Belvedere-Pergola-Schwäbisch-Gmünd e.V.
Kreissparkasse Ostalb
Account Number: 1001370738
IBAN: DE71 6145 0050 1001 3707 38
BIC: OASPDE6AXXX

For donations of 300 EUR or more, the association will issue a tax-deductible donation receipt. For donations under 300 EUR, the bank statement serves as a donation receipt.

Contact:
Eisenbahn-Belvedere-Pergola-Schwäbisch-Gmünd e.V.
Lindenfirststr. 9, 73527 Schwäbisch Gmünd
Contact Person: Udo Eckloff
Phone: +49 176 24971 784
Email: udo@cerrillares.com