The Remarkable Story Behind Eiswerk Past, Present & Future
Eiswerk symbolises our commitment to the growing tech ecosystem in Berlin. We’re building a hub for scaling tech companies; providing the space, resources and opportunities they need to grow.
By Sam Allen
The Past
Carl Bolle founded Norddeutsche Eiswerke AG in 1872 and began manufacturing ice on Koepenicker Strasse, one of Berlin’s oldest streets, built in 1589. The ice would be delivered to local bars, breweries and households in large blocks up to 1.50 meters long.
To satisfy the growing demand for ice, the factory had to be modernised and expanded from 1913–1924 with new cooling houses, boiler houses and an engine room. The factory became a landmark in the area, as did the iconic C. Bolle milk carriages, which used the ice blocks to keep the milk cool. However, in 1945, a large section of the factory was damaged by bombing, signaling the beginning of the end for the ice factory. Over the years to follow the demand for manufactured ice would fall until the factory’s eventual discontinuation in 1992. The building quickly fell into disrepair, covered in graffiti and damaged by harsh weather. However, plans to demolish the iconic building were met with protests and ultimately canceled.
