The barracks in Babenhausen

 

Figure 1 One of the main buildings with the original water tower

The barracks in Babenhausen

What should be done with the remnants of history?

After the US Americans left the barracks in 2007, little happened for a long time (at least from an outside view). 140 hectares of military training grounds and historic and more modern barracks and residential buildings near the B26-street towards Aschaffenburg faced an uncertain future after the leave of the Americans. The area certainly shaped the town and is a testament to Babenhausen's recent history – but what should become of it? What should be preserved? And what new use should be given to the part that is to be preserved?

Figure 2 The former chapel

The first step was taken with the undeveloped former military training area. 80 hectares were designated a “Natura 2000 area” with protected status. This is not unusual, as such sites are often ecologically valuable due to the type of use. Since 2014, the open areas have been protected from scrub encroachment by the introduction of Przewalski's horses. At the same time, these wild horses are part of a European breeding program and, with a little luck, can be observed. In 2024, the first offspring was born on the 68-hectare heathland.

The history of the barracks began with the 1st Grand Ducal Cavalry Regiment, the Red Dragoons. They were initially housed in Babenhausen Castle in 1869. This was an important economic factor for the then rural town. When Babenhausen ceased to be a garrison town in 1891, this soon had an economic impact.

Attempts to convince the military leadership in Berlin to send soldiers back to Babenhausen were successful, and in May 1900, the construction of the barracks began at their current location.

The project was financed by a loan from the city, and the barracks were completed in September 1901. In October, they were occupied by the 2nd Division of Field Artillery Regiment No. 61. A total of three groups each had uniform building facilities around a central courtyard at their disposal – from accommodation to stables. This structure is still clearly visible today. The ensemble was supplemented by functional buildings such as the water tower and the commander's residence.

Figure 3 The main court with the modern water tower built by the US Army

Until the end of World War I, the barracks were used to house artillery and cavalry units, after which French soldiers moved in temporarily, followed later by a police academy. In the 1930s, the complex was converted back into barracks for the Wehrmacht and expanded to include a field airfield. After World War II, the barracks served temporarily as a camp for prisoners of war and was a transit camp for refugees (DP camp for displaced persons) for almost five years until the US armed forces moved in in 1955. They shaped the townscape of Babenhausen for a long time. Some of the buildings, including the former chapel of the American barracks, were used to house refugees until they were converted.

In addition to the protected area, three sections are being created on the former site. The historic barracks are being transformed into a creative quarter focusing on offices, culture, education, and services, with part of the former buildings being converted into private apartments. A commercial area is being created in the former technical area, and a residential quarter is being built on the site of the former housing area, which provided accommodation for up to 4,000 people during the American use of the site. These three areas will also be developed independently of each other in terms of transport links.

Many thanks to Joachim Heizmann for the detailed tour of the barracks grounds.