Border lock's antiquated customs house undergoing restoration
The city of Northhorn is breathing new life into a piece of its rich history as renovation work begins on the old customs house. The renovation project, which has a total budget of 190,000 euros, is a collaborative effort between architect Johannes Hensen and city officials, including Mayor Thomas Berling and City Building Director Thimo Weitemeier.
Two years ago, the city purchased the endangered property from private ownership, and now, it is undergoing a meticulous overhaul. The old customs house, a listed monument under the Lower Saxony Monument Protection Act, will see its wooden frame outer walls, roof surfaces, windows, doors, and floor coverings replaced.
The building, located in the city but not specified in the text, is the only surviving historical structure of its kind in the Weser-Ems region. It was originally built in 1904 and served as a customs clearance facility, handling ship traffic on the German section of the Northhorn-Almelo Canal, a waterway that forms part of the border between Germany and the Netherlands.
The city is contributing an own share of 36,000 euros to the project, with the remaining amount to be funded by state and EU grants. Berling concluded that they can look forward to a great opening ceremony next year, while Weitemeier expressed that it would have been a shame if the old customs house had disappeared over time.
Once renovation is complete, the old customs house will serve as a tourist attraction for both visitors and locals. It is expected to become a venue for cross-border events, exhibitions, or receptions. The city's acquisition and renovation of the Alte Zollhaus at the border crossing on the Northhorn-Almelo Canal is a testament to Northhorn's commitment to preserving its historical heritage.
Last winter, the building section protruding into the Northhorn-Almelo Canal was secured, and now stands on screw foundations in the water. The renovation work began before winter, much to the pleasure of Mayor Berling. The old customs house, alongside the adjacent customs residence, is a significant part of Northhorn's history, and its renovation is a promising step towards preserving and celebrating that history.
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