Decision in principle: renovation of the Bismarck Tower
Background
The city council has passed a resolution in principle for the renovation of the listed tower. The administration will now submit the funding applications and arrange for further planning and construction supervision services. The Bismarck Tower, built in 1914/1915 on the "Rosenbühl", stands out historically and, above all, as an architectural monument from the 146 towers preserved throughout Germany today. It was not built according to the "standard design" of the Dresden architect Wilhelm Kreis, but according to the special wishes of the Hof supporters, making it a unique regional and architectural work.
Current state of construction
The structural condition of the tower was described in an expert report by LGA GmbH as stable, but damp and characterized by a lack of ventilation. The joints in the granite walls are extensively damaged. Moisture has destroyed the interior plaster and is massively gnawing at the steel support beams in the wall construction and the staircase inside. There is no natural ventilation, which accelerates the moisture damage. Due to the danger of falling layers of plaster, the building had to be closed to the public.
Necessary renovation measures
LGA GmbH has drawn up a renovation concept in consultation with the State Office for the Preservation of Monuments. In order to preserve the tower, extensive renovation measures are required, which are to be carried out in three construction phases over a period of around four to five years. The duration is determined by the required drying times for the natural stone masonry.
The costs for the renovation work are estimated to total around €742,000 gross, with the city of Hof contributing around €74,200. Funding will be provided by public subsidies and donations from institutions such as the Oberfrankenstiftung, the Bayerische Landesstiftung and the Viessmann-Stiftung. Private donations, which have been acquired since 2021 by the Hof town curator Leo Reichel, will also make it possible to implement the necessary renovation measures after the application to an EU-EFRE program for funding the renovation was rejected.
Future use
Once the first construction phase has been completed, the tower will be temporarily reopened to visitors, while regular tours and guided tours will be possible once the entire renovation has been completed. Events on the spacious first floor of the tower are then also conceivable.
"The renovation of the Bismarck Tower not only contributes to the preservation of the historic building, but also offers the opportunity to convey the historical significance of the tower," says Mayor Eva Döhla.