Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe. How should the Old Town Hall in Ober-Eschbach be used in the future? The city of Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe is asking its citizens for their input on this question. Starting October 1, 2026, ideas and suggestions for the future use of the historic building on Kirchplatz can be submitted via the city’s public participation platform, “seid-dabei.de.” The public participation period runs through March 31, 2027.
The Old Town Hall at Kirchplatz 1 is a special place in Ober-Eschbach’s history. Its origins date back a long way: a place of worship was first mentioned at this site as early as 774. From 1527 onward, it served as a Reformed church before the building was deconsecrated in 1823 and subsequently used as a school and town hall. The various architectural phases—Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque—are still visible on the building today.
After Ober-Eschbach was incorporated into Bad Homburg in 1972, the building’s uses were gradually reduced. It has not been in use since 2020. The building is listed as a standalone historic monument and is in need of renovation. Now, in collaboration with residents, the city intends to explore what future uses are conceivable for this historically significant building. The initial focus is deliberately on gathering a wide range of ideas. The city is seeking proposals that will breathe new life into the Old Town Hall while also fitting in with Ober-Eschbach and its town center.
Mayor Alexander Hetjes explains: “The Old Town Hall is far more than just a building. It tells the story of many centuries of Ober-Eschbach’s history and is an important part of the town’s character. That is why it is important to involve residents early on. We want to know what ideas they have for this special place and what role the Old Town Hall could play in the neighborhood in the future.”
The submitted proposals will then be reviewed, among other things, for their compatibility with historic preservation regulations, building codes, and financial feasibility. The results of the call for ideas will be presented to the city council for a decision. An in-depth feasibility study is planned for the use ultimately decided upon.
The building itself poses specific challenges for its future use. In addition to the two-story nave, the historic west tower, the semicircular choir, and the steep slate-covered roof are among the features that define the appearance of the former church building. In recent years, individual inspection and renovation measures have already taken place, including work on the base, as well as the replacement of windows on the upper floor in 2024 and other preparatory measures.
Citizens can participate from October 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, on the participation platform “seid-dabei.de.”
