BEP Baugenossenschaft des eidgenössischen Personals is one of Zurich’s largest housing cooperatives, founded in 1910 by railway workers facing unaffordable rents in the city. After an initial unsuccessful attempt to build near Limmatplatz, the founders secured land from the Swiss Federal Railways and began construction on their first settlement in 1913. Early expansion included multiple developments in the Letten and Industrie quarters, and a significant merger in 1920 with a cooperative for postal workers, allowing the renamed BEP to grow its membership and secure further support from the city.
Historic milestones include pioneering Zurich’s first cooperative replacement newbuild in the 1970s and steadily expanding beyond the city, reaching surrounding municipalities such as Wallisellen, Urdorf, and Dietikon. Renovations and adaptations of older buildings have remained a constant, with modernizations ranging from heating system upgrades to new construction for senior citizens and families.
As of 2023, BEP operates over 1800 apartments. Recent projects include 152 units in Dietikon’s Limmatfeld district and the completion of 101 apartments in the Manegg neighbourhood, both aimed at providing accessible housing. The cooperative employs about 35 staff (just under 30 full-time equivalents), operates from Imfeldstrasse in Zurich, and consistently maintains full occupancy, reflecting strong demand for affordable accommodation in the region.
BEP’s structure reflects professional management combined with the governance traditions of Swiss cooperatives, balancing its legacy with a focus on ongoing growth and adaptation.