New Splendor for Old Walls: The Sports Hall in the Ludwigshöhviertel District Is Being Transformed into a Modern Sports and Community Center
On the site of the former Cambrai-Fritsch barracks and Jefferson Housing, the city of Darmstadt is developing a new residential district for over 3,000 people.
In the northeastern edge of the district, adjacent to the neighboring forest, there is also a sports hall in need of renovation. Originally built in the 1930s as an indoor riding arena, it later served as a sports facility for the American armed forces.
In the northeastern edge of the district, adjacent to the neighboring forest, exists a historic sports hall in need of a renovation. Originally built in the 1930s as an indoor horseback riding hall, it later served as a sports facility for the American armed forces. Extensions from the 1980s were demolished in 2021 and the hall remains the only original building on site. In 2022, Darmstädter Sportstätten GmbH & Co. KG commissioned 1100 Architect with the planning of the renovation and technical upgrade of the hall. The goal of the project is to transform the sports hall into a flexible and dividable hall for sport and community events for schools and various local clubs, with a maximum capacity of 300 people.
The exterior walls and roof, which were renewed in the 1990s, will be retained, while the interior will be completely renovated and upgraded. In the future, the hall will be accessible by separate entrances and changing areas on both sides of the building. The space will incorporate two large fields as well as accommodate for sports that include volleyball, handball, table tennis, and basketball. Additionally, a small soccer field, a pump track facility, two small basketball courts, and a multifunctional turf area will be built in the adjacent areas.
With the groundbreaking ceremony, construction work will officially commence. In his opening speech, Lord Mayor Hanno Benz emphasized the central role of this sports hall for the community.
"With the renovation of the sports hall and the new outdoor sports facilities, we are giving residents and athletes from the neighborhood the opportunity to play sports and provide a contribution to the social well-being of the citizens of Ludwigshöhe."
The fact that the building is full of history became expressed when a resident asks to speak a few words after the official welcome speech. He wanted to share that he is a member of the Darmstadt Basketball Club and frequently played games with US soldiers during the time American Armed Forces used the area. He is delighted that the hall will be filled with sporting life again in the not-so-distant future.
The city of Darmstadt is investing 14.7 million euros for the project with additional support by KfW in the amount of 1.8 million euros. Completion of the project is targeted for spring 2026. With the completion of the sports hall and community center, a modern, multifunctional venue for sports and events will strengthen the Ludwigshöhviertel community through encounter and integration.