About us
Who we are
“Rettet die Amerikanische Siedlung Plittersdorf” is a non-profit association which can be translated as "Save the American Settlement Plittersdorf“. We are a not-for-profit association, an e.V., created by a group of likeminded citizens who have started this initiative to protect and preserve this important, historic American compound.
Our goals
The American Compound is a legacy from our past that still provides a high quality of life today. We are committed to raise awareness about the history surrounding the compound, its values, and to keep up the quality of life in the face of encroaching urbanization. The American Compound is still very relevant for the future planning of Bonn and its inhabitants. We would like to invite other citizens and interested parties to protect and promote the sustainable community of the American Compound and its quality of life. We invite you to join our initiative, to support us to ensure that future urban development continues to be orientated towards the needs and values of the people of the American Compound and the city of Bonn.
Report about the compound
History
The American Settlement Plittersdorf in Bonn is a significant architectural and historical testament to the post-war era, reflecting the presence and influence of the Americans in Germany. Built starting in 1950 for members of the U.S. Embassy, an independent residential neighborhood was created with comprehensive infrastructure in the style of a garden city. Today, the settlement stands as an exemplary model of sustainable, livable urban development and respectful use of urban space.
Learn moreMonument Protection
2000 - 2015
As an area of outstanding importance to urban development and history, the settlement complex was put under 'monument protection' for the first time in 2000.
Since 2015
In November 2015 the monumental protection was further clarified and expanded, the city of Bonn emphasized that the settlement as a whole is under historical monument protection. At this time, it was confirmed that the former kindergarten and the club of the American Embassy buildings would remain protected, and the importance of green spaces was highlighted.
Literature & Films
GERMAN: Spionage und Atomraketen, 1983 - Haarscharf am Krieg vorbei
This book authored by one of our RASP-members contains parts of the American Settlement Plittersdorf, especially the American Club.
ISBN 978-3-416-04079-2
No Fence
“No Fence” is a search for traces that documents the interplay of nature and architecture after 70 years of settlement history and shows the neighborhood shaped by labor migration, in which “the stranger comes today and stays tomorrow”. Website: https://www.zumbuschfotografie.de/no-fence
RASPmap
The RASPmap is an interactive representation of the American settlement Plittersdorf. Click on the colored areas or symbols to get further explanations as soon as you have activated the map.
Additional interesting map data related to the HICOG settlement are (all links are in German):