The Former town hall, locally known as Voormalig raadhuis, in Heemskerk, Netherlands, is a testament to the architectural prowess of Jan Stuyt and a beacon of the town's rich history. This municipal monument, located at Burgemeester Nielenplein 2, stands proudly at the intersection of the Burgemeester Nielenplein and Maerelaan, serving as a prominent landmark in the area.
The history of the Former town hall is deeply intertwined with the story of Heemskerk. Originally, the town's administrative functions were housed in the former mansion Overbeek at Maerelaan, dating back to 1705. Over the years, the mansion fell into disrepair, necessitating either a significant restoration or the construction of a new building. The financial constraints of the town were alleviated when Mrs. d'Ablaing van Giessenburg bequeathed ƒ3,000 to the municipality, enabling the construction of the new town hall in 1911.
Jan Stuyt, a renowned architect, was commissioned to design the new building, and the construction was awarded to Johannes Henneman. The project, which utilized materials from the demolished Overbeek mansion, was completed with a budget of ƒ14,870. The new town hall also included residences for a teacher and a constable, reflecting the multifunctional nature of the building.
The Former town hall is a striking example of early 20th-century architecture. The building's exterior is characterized by its seven-bay facade, with each bay extending the full height of the structure. The symmetrical front facade features a central double-panel door topped with an eight-pane transom window, flanked by large sash windows with ten and fifteen panes. Above these windows are slightly smaller windows, maintaining the building's balanced aesthetic.
The roof, restored with new slates from the Penrhyn quarry in Wales, features a distinctive octagonal cupola crowned with a gilded weather vane. The cupola is supported by zinc-clad columns and a cornice, standing atop a slate-covered base. The roof's ends are adorned with zinc finials, each with ornate ajour work and a spherical top.
The building's walls are constructed from machine-made, yellow-red bricks laid in a Flemish bond pattern, with corner pilasters adding to the structure's grandeur. The plinth, encircling the building, is built in a cross-bond pattern, with the topmost stones chamfered for added detail. A wooden cornice caps the facade, sitting above a plastered frieze interrupted by the first-floor windows. The windows themselves feature hardstone sills finished with a beige plaster layer, mimicking the appearance of sandstone.
One of the most notable features of the Former town hall is its entrance, marked by a portico supported by two columns. The portico's pediment displays the coat of arms of Heemskerk and mirrors the curved rooflines of the dormer windows above. The dormers, covered in slate, each have nine-pane windows and a tympanum inscribed with the building's construction year, AD 1911.
The building's right side is symmetrical, with three fifteen-pane sash windows on the ground floor and five windows on the upper floor, varying in size. The left side, however, is asymmetrical, featuring a narrow door with a four-pane transom window and two ten-pane sash windows. The rear facade is similarly varied, with a mix of ten-pane and fifteen-pane sash windows, along with a later addition from the 1940s that houses a large window and the 1951 stained-glass window by Edlef ter Haar Romeny.
Inside, the Former town hall boasts a central hall running from the front to the back of the building. The ground floor's high ceilings, supported by oak beams salvaged from the Overbeek mansion, add to the building's historic charm. The hall features a wooden staircase with turned balusters and ring motifs, leading to the upper floors. The original council chamber, located at the rear of the hall, retains its original double door and entablature, adding to the building's historical authenticity.
The council chamber also houses a terracotta wall relief, possibly depicting Joseph and Mary, surrounded by the inscription Doornenburg dankt Heemskerk. This piece was donated by the residents of Doornenburg in gratitude for the aid they received from Heemskerk and Beverwijk after World War II.
In 1981, the town hall's administrative functions were relocated to a new building on Bachstraat, and the Former town hall was repurposed as a notary's office. The building's historical significance was preserved, with the 1951 stained-glass window being moved to the new town hall and later returned to its original location in 2011.
Today, the Former town hall stands as a testament to Heemskerk's rich history and architectural heritage. Its walls echo the stories of the past, from its early days as a mansion to its role as the town's administrative center and its current function as a notary's office. For visitors to Heemskerk, the Former town hall offers a fascinating glimpse into the town's history and a chance to appreciate the architectural beauty of Jan Stuyt's design.
Get your Tickets now!
With myCityHunt you can discover thousands of cities around the world in exciting scavenger hunts, treasure hunts and escape games!
myCityHunt vouchers are the perfect gift for many occasions! Surprise your friends and family with this extraordinary event gift. myCityHunt gift vouchers are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase and can be used within this period for a freely selectable city and tour from the myCityHunt portfolio.
Buy Gift Vouchers
