Bauverein Gelsenkirchen eG is a housing cooperative based in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. It was founded on 9 May 1902 as the Gemeinnütziger Bauverein zu Bismarck, with the aim of providing members with healthy, practical and affordable homes; its registered seat has remained in Gelsenkirchen. 46
The cooperative’s work is focused on letting and managing housing in Gelsenkirchen. Its stated purpose is to support members through secure and socially responsible housing provision, including access to modern, safe and affordable homes. 18 According to its website, it manages 1,108 apartments across 160 buildings, as well as 170 garages and nine commercial units. 1 Its housing is spread across nine city districts: Schalke, Rotthausen, Bulmke-Hüllen, Bismarck, Erle, Neustadt, Heßler, Sutum and Ückendorf. 1
The organisation’s history includes construction, post-war rebuilding and later modernisation of its housing stock; it now also describes adapting existing homes for older residents as part of its response to demographic change. 4 Its current listed leadership comprises Dennis Mehlan, managing director and chair of the executive board, and board members Andrea Baudach and Claus Ullrich; Oliver Langer chairs the supervisory board. 57 The cooperative also provides member services including support for emergencies, an equipment-lending service and social counselling, according to the supplied homepage text. 1