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Demolition of the Meissnerhaus in Ehningen: Citizens' initiative objects!
The Ehningen local council has decided to demolish the Meissnerhaus. A citizens' initiative is planning resistance.
Demolition of the Meissnerhaus in Ehningen: Citizens' initiative objects!
On October 23, 2025, the Ehningen local council decided by a narrow majority to demolish the Meissnerhaus at Königstrasse 27. The decision was made by the CDU and the Free Voters, while the SPD and Greens voted against it. This step comes after a controversial discussion that lasted until shortly before midnight, in which many interested citizens left the meeting early to be informed about the future of the Meissnerhaus. Mayor Lukas Rosengrün described the decision as formally illegal and called for renewed discussion.
The ruling parties' decision is based on the argument that demolition would reduce financial and economic risks for the municipality. The CDU and Free Voters emphasize that the preservation of the non-listed building is a voluntary service by the community that is not sustainable under the current budget conditions. In contrast, the SPD and the Greens see potential for economic efficiency, as demolition would also incur costs. However, their application to examine a usage concept was not voted on.
Resistance from the citizens' initiative
In view of the decision, a citizens' initiative has been formed that plans to push for a referendum against the demolition. The initiative's spokesperson, Hannelore Röhm, emphasizes the importance of the arguments for preserving the Meissnerhaus. To support their concerns, the initiative plans to provide information material and organize events. According to the resolution, the citizens' initiative will have the opportunity to hold a referendum and would like to actively promote the preservation of the building.
The local council will now obtain offers for the demolition and calculate the design of the future free area. The citizens' initiative has also set itself the goal of accompanying the ongoing process and putting pressure on the decision-makers. This conflict could also be seen in the context of the European citizens' initiative “HouseEurope!” be provided. This initiative aims to call for new EU laws for easier and more social renovations and conversions and, among other things, calls for fair valuation rules for existing buildings.
The discussion about the Meissnerhaus reflects a broader trend in which the preservation of historic buildings is weighed against economic considerations. It becomes clear that the dialogue between the local administration and citizens is crucial in order to find sustainable solutions for the future of the local community.