Rathaus Kornwestheim

Rathaus Kornwestheim, also known locally as Rathausturm Kornwestheim, stands tall and proud as a multifaceted landmark in the charming town of Kornwestheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. This architectural marvel, constructed in 1935, is not just a town hall tower but also serves as a water tower and clock tower. With its impressive height of 48 meters (61 meters including the flagpole at the top), it is a distinctive symbol that can be seen from afar, marking the skyline of Kornwestheim.

The Historical Significance of Rathaus Kornwestheim

The origins of Rathaus Kornwestheim are deeply rooted in the town's rapid growth and the subsequent need for expanded administrative and utility infrastructure. Between 1890 and 1933, Kornwestheim's population quintupled, surpassing 10,000 residents. This population boom necessitated the adaptation of both administrative and utility services to meet the growing town's needs.

In 1912, the town council decided to construct a new town hall at the corner of Stuttgarter Straße and Eberhardstraße (now Friedrich-Siller-Straße). However, the outbreak of World War I halted construction, and the project was eventually abandoned. Despite securing water supply from the state water supply system in 1917, the capacity of the existing water storage facilities became increasingly inadequate.

In 1929/30, a competition was held for the design of a new town hall, but the proposals were ultimately rejected. It wasn't until 1933, under the leadership of Mayor Alfred Kercher, that the project was revived. The town decided to combine the town hall and water tower into a single structure. Architect Paul Bonatz, known for his work on the Stuttgart Central Station, was commissioned to design the building. The chosen site, an elevated location on Stuttgarter Straße at the southern edge of the town, ensured the necessary water pressure and signaled the town's expansion southward.

Construction began in October 1933, financed by loans from the Reich administration, and the building was inaugurated in November 1935. The tower's foundations extend 8 meters deep, and the integrated high tank has a capacity of 800 cubic meters of water.

Architectural and Functional Marvel

Rathaus Kornwestheim is an architectural and functional marvel. The tower's design is a testament to the ingenuity of its time, combining administrative, utility, and aesthetic functions into one cohesive structure. The adjacent administrative building complements the tower, creating a harmonious ensemble.

By the mid-1950s, Kornwestheim's population had doubled again, and the presence of American troops stationed in the town further increased water demand. To address this, two underground tanks with a capacity of 2,200 cubic meters each were installed in front of the town hall in 1954/55. These tanks pump water into the town hall tower, ensuring a steady supply. Since 1958, Kornwestheim has also sourced water from the Lake Constance water supply system.

In the 1990s, the administrative wing was expanded and seamlessly integrated into the existing building complex, enhancing its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

The Remarkable Door of Rathaus Kornwestheim

One of the most notable features of Rathaus Kornwestheim is the door on the south side of the tower. This door predates the tower itself, having been created for the original town hall project that began in 1914 but was never completed. In December 1915, Mayor Friedrich Siller proposed to the town council that the door be turned into a war memorial. Stuttgart artist Pfennig designed the door, which was made from oak and linden wood and adorned with 8,000 nails. Citizens could purchase nails and hammer them into the door as a donation to charitable or patriotic causes, a common practice during World War I.

The door features black and gold nails forming four iron crosses, the year 1916, and elements of the royal Württemberg coat of arms (Staufer lions and deer antlers). The black nails against the red background represent the colors of Württemberg. The door and nails cost a total of 1,235 marks. The nail-driving ceremony took place on March 5, 1916, at Wetteplatz, raising 4,448 marks for the German Red Cross and other causes. Donors' names were recorded in a commemorative book, now housed in the town archive. Some nails bear initials of donors or soldiers in the field.

After the war, the 1914 town hall project was abandoned, but the door was preserved and installed in the new town hall in 1935.

A Festive Tradition

Every year during the Christmas season, a Christmas tree is placed on the viewing platform of the tower. The tree is lit from the first Sunday of Advent until Epiphany, adding a festive touch to the town's skyline.

In conclusion, Rathaus Kornwestheim is more than just a building; it is a symbol of the town's history, growth, and resilience. Its combination of administrative, utility, and aesthetic functions makes it a unique and fascinating landmark. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to Rathaus Kornwestheim is sure to be a memorable experience.