The Chemnitz Fritz Heckert Area
The residential area was developed in the last 15 years of the GDR (German Democratic Republic). In 1971, the 8th Party Congress decided on an extensive social policy program, which was systematically adopted by the GDR government. A key component of this program from 1972 onwards was the so-called Housing Construction Program. The goal was to improve the living conditions of more than half of the GDR's population. The plan was to build or modernize 3 million apartments and invest over 200 billion GDR marks.
The Housing Construction Program aimed to create the material conditions for higher construction output through industrial technologies (prefabricated panel construction). Additionally, the program sought to integrate surrounding social infrastructure (schools, kindergartens, polyclinics, shopping facilities, restaurants, etc.) into the comprehensive housing development. By 1990, 172 new residential areas with at least 2,500 apartments each had been built in the GDR.
On October 5, 1974, shortly before the 25th anniversary of the founding of the GDR, the symbolic cornerstone laying ceremony for the Fritz Heckert residential area took place. By 1990, eight construction zones saw the development of 943 buildings (including schools, community centers, pharmacies, etc.) and 52 kilometers of new roads were laid. At the time construction was halted in 1990, around 92,000 residents were living in 32,500 apartments in the area, making it one of the largest residential complexes in Germany.
After 1990, significant improvements were made in terms of urban planning, architecture, and social infrastructure. It was through these developments that many people formed a deep, affectionate connection to their home district, where today 37,000 residents of Chemnitz still live. Following a widely recognized and celebrated transformation process, the Heckert residential area has become a proud and valued part of the Cultural Capital Year 2025.
2024 - Fritz50
Fritz50
Fritz50 and Fritz51 have their origins in the bid book. Fritz50 is a collaboration of interested parties who wish to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the residential area in 2024. The events offered throughout the year cater to a wide audience, both young and old, including residents of the area, Chemnitz locals, and visitors. Fritz50 aims to promote positive interactions between residents and guests and to spark interest in those who are not yet inhabitants. A key objective is to share the unknown and exciting aspects of the area.
The significant construction efforts during GDR times and the hardship-filled early years are to be honored, while residents today can proudly showcase the successful transformation process following reunification. At the same time, Chemnitz locals and all visitors can witness the successful urban and social shift from a large-scale housing complex to neighborhoods with unique characters. Fritz50 highlights the great importance of the residential area within the overall urban structure of Chemnitz.
Chemnitz Museum Night
On May 4, 2024, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Fritz Heckert area, the Chemnitz Museum Night made a special visit. The residential area featured a special program titled "The City within the City: 50 Years of the Fritz Heckert Residential Area." The event took place at the heart of the residential area, the Vita-Center. Guests were treated to a wealth of information about the history of the Heckert area, including residential environments and historical vehicles. There were also opportunities for visitors to engage in conversations.
Over a thousand visitors enjoyed the GDR Room, took photos beside a Trabant, and explored the information panels well into the night. The evening was rounded off with music, a Heckert film, and refreshments. Two guided tours provided access to areas of the shopping center that are normally off-limits.
The Heckert Beer
After a year of robust celebrations, thirst is inevitable. Fortunately, the Marx Städter Brewery is here to help by producing Heckert Beer especially for the anniversary year. It is also available at the Kappel Kaufhalle.
Anniversary Celebration: 50 Years Fritz Heckert Area
After over a year of preparation, the grand anniversary celebration took place on August 17, 2024. The family and anniversary festival was held at the heart of the residential area, at the Chemnitz Vita-Center.
Thanks to the tremendous support of numerous volunteers, a fitting celebration was held in one of the largest residential areas in Germany under beautiful weather. The event took place at the heart of the Heckert area, the Chemnitz Vita-Center.
The festivities kicked off with powerful drumming from Hibiki Daiko e.V. The ballet from Kolorit e.V. and the dance group "Caucasian Flower" created a fantastic atmosphere. The Ikarus Line Dancers also encouraged visitors to hit the dance floor. Those who wished danced in the glorious evening sun to the beats of Gruppa Karl-Marx-Stadt.
The Fritz50 team, the Community Coordination Chemnitz South, and the Chemnitz History Association extend their heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers, participants, vintage car drivers, and the many thousands of visitors.
Numerous visitors witnessed the inauguration of the new information point alongside Building Mayor Michael Stötzer (left), District Manager Thomas Rosner, and Center Manager Jens Rudolph.
Following this, the Intervention Area Morgenleite was ceremoniously inaugurated. The children especially took a quick liking to the water play area.
The Ikarus bus, with three drivers, made 15 rounds of approximately 12 kilometers each through all parts of the Heckert area. On many trips, the seats were insufficient. A total of 627 passengers enjoyed this special experience.
More than 55 attendees were present at the book presentation "Mein Kinderzimmer in den Wolken" and listened to the words of author Manuela Klitzsch. Many guests took the opportunity to have their books signed by the author.
The vehicle exhibition "Patte trifft Platte" attracted 45 historical cars, motorcycles, karts, and utility vehicles, with a total of 107 drivers and accompanying personnel. Some vehicles were significantly older than the Heckert area, and some participants traveled specifically from Brandenburg's Dahme-Spreewald district or the Saxon state capital, Dresden.
Renovation and Inauguration of the Heckert Cornerstone
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Fritz Heckert area, a coalition of associations and citizens, with the support of the City of Chemnitz, initiated the recognition of the cornerstone as a cultural monument (Object ID: 09307467) due to its socio-historical, local-historical, and artistic significance, as well as the restoration of the inscription plaque and the redesign of the concrete base.
The inscription plaque was created in 1974 by Chemnitz artist and sculptor Volker Beier.
On August 17, 2024, the day of the 50th anniversary celebration, the renovated cornerstone was ceremonially inaugurated. A new time capsule filled with historical and contemporary documents was placed inside the cornerstone. Mayor Sven Schulze opened the event by sharing memories of his youth in the Heckert area. Local historian Norbert Engst spoke about the significance of the cornerstone for the residential area. Several city council members, representatives from the cultural sector, and numerous guests attended the inauguration ceremony.
Book Reading at Kappel Kaufhalle
On October 9, 2024, the time had finally come. Around 50 book enthusiasts followed the invitation to the book reading at Kappel Kaufhalle and listened to the stories of Manuela Klitzsch from her book "Mein Kinderzimmer in den Wolken". Even before the reading began, many audience members shared their personal experiences and stories from the Heckert area with the author. A camera crew from Bavarian Television accompanied the event and captured this unique moment. After the reading, the author spent some time signing books for all those who were interested. Following the reading, there was an opportunity for people to chat and exchange neighborhood stories.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Simone Görner and her team from Kappel Kaufhalle for their support.
The documentary was broadcast on Bavarian Radio on October 23 at 7 p.m. and is also available in the ARD media library.
FRITZ50 in the Media
2025 - Fritz50 becomes Fritz51
Fritz51
After a successful anniversary year in 2024, we are moving full steam ahead into the Cultural Capital Year 2025. Fritz50 becomes Fritz51 – our mission remains the same. The Chemnitz Fritz Heckert area will showcase itself and its many facets to all guests and interested parties. In addition to a variety of activities, two publications will guide visitors through the Cultural Capital Year 2025.
Mein Kinderzimmer in den Wolken
Living in one of the largest new residential areas of the GDR must have been terrible, right? No, it wasn't! In short episodes and memories, Manuela Klitzsch recounts daily life in the Fritz Heckert area of the 1980s. From the noise in the school dining hall to the smell in the stairwells, and the grand celebrations in too-small living rooms, she fondly and humorously reflects on her upbringing.
Manuela Klitzsch was born in 1976 in Karl-Marx-Stadt and grew up in the Fritz Heckert area. She studied German philology and classical singing in Dresden and Magdeburg, enjoys diving, instant soups, and thunderstorms, and now lives with her husband and two children in Dresden.
Matthias Lehmann, born in 1975 in Karl-Marx-Stadt, grew up surrounded by the Fritz Heckert area in the Café Lehmann house. He studied Fine Arts in Dresden, loves skating or snowboarding through the landscape (and dislikes instant soup), and currently lives with his wife and two children in Meißen.
Order here
Heckert. Die Transformation
Since the cornerstone laying in 1974, the Chemnitz residential area "Fritz Heckert" has evolved from a development of over 32,000 apartments for 92,000 residents into one of the largest prefab housing estates in East Germany. By 1995, one in three Chemnitz residents lived here, and 38 percent of all children from Karl-Marx-Stadt called it home. While the apartments were highly sought after during the GDR era, the large housing estate underwent a profound transformation after 1990, with the population halving.
In the early 2000s, the City of Chemnitz, along with the Free State of Saxony and major landlords, began developing a comprehensive strategy for the continued evolution.
The transformation of the Heckert area has gained international attention. Architectural highlights have been awarded or featured in prominent magazines. In the Cultural Capital Year 2025, the Fritz Heckert residential area shines brilliantly and proudly as never before in its 50-year history. This book is dedicated to that achievement.
Available soon
Contact us
Jörn Richter, Manuela Klitzsch, Norbert Engst
E-Mail Telephone
fritz_50@email.de 0176/ 790 955 45
