Purchaser Sought for Historic GDR Watchtower
Thirty-five years following the fall of the Berlin Wall, a DDR border watchtower in Cumlosen, Prignitz district, is set for auction, with a starting bid of €5,000. Constructed in the late 1970s, the tower served as a concrete symbol of East Germany's border control, preventing unauthorized entry and exit.
The auction will be conducted by the German Real Estate Auctions AG (DGA) on June 27. The watchtower has been under heritage protection for the past five years.
Located six kilometers northwest of Wittenberge and nestled within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Elbe-Brandenburg River Landscape, Cumlosen is steeped in German history.
The potential buyer may have various ideas for the tower post-auction. While converting it into a restaurant is theoretically possible, permission from relevant heritage authorities is required, given the structure's protected status.
With a usable area of 180 square meters, the tower's ground floor features an entrance hall, toilet, technical room, and access to an annex. The first and second floors served as living quarters for border guards, and the third floor functioning as an observation post. The annex is a single-story, flat-roofed building with former office rooms, connected to the tower via a door.
However, vandalism, vacancy, and exposure to weather have caused damage, necessitating renovation efforts from the new owner. This task requires not only patience but also a keen understanding of heritage conservation.
Many potential uses for the heritage-protected watchtower exist, such as a historical museum or educational center, tourist attraction, artist's studio, gallery, or event venue. Regulations governing the preservation of the site and its future usage, including compliance with heritage laws, maintenance of historical accuracy, and measures for public access, must be considered. The bidding process and post-auction obligations may also involve specific conditions.
Engaging with local authorities and heritage experts is crucial when evaluating the purchase of a site such as this, as it offers unique opportunities while maintaining historical integrity.
The German Real Estate Auctions AG (DGA) will auction the DDR border watchtower in Cumlosen on June 27, with a starting bid of €5,000. Post-auction, the potential buyer might consider various options for the tower, including renovating it into a museum, historical center, tourist attraction, artist's studio, gallery, or event venue. However, due to the tower's protected status, any changes or renovations require permission from relevant heritage authorities. Investing in the tower, in turn, requires a keen understanding of heritage conservation, as well as compliance with heritage laws and maintenance of historical accuracy. Engaging with local authorities and heritage experts is crucial when evaluating the purchase.
