The Edith Maryon Foundation was established in 1990 in Basel by three founders with a starting capital of 12,000 Swiss francs. Inspired by the English sculptor Edith Maryon—who, in the early 20th century, addressed a local housing crisis in Dornach by building affordable homes for Goetheanum staff—the foundation’s core aim is to remove land and property from speculative markets and make them permanently available for socially responsible uses.
Headquartered in Basel, the foundation has built a portfolio of 144 properties, farms, and parcels of land, containing 722 rentable units comprised of approximately 538 apartments and 184 commercial and studio spaces. The overall focus is Switzerland and Germany, but projects extend to other countries, with roughly 800 hectares of farmland under management. The foundation invests significantly in its properties; in 2021, for example, it allocated CHF 7.8 million for renovations, including a new ventilation system for the Markthalle Basel and the restoration of housing in Zurich and Arlesheim.
Recent undertakings include acquiring the historic Namen Jesu Monastery in Solothurn in July 2024 to ensure its long-term preservation and adaptive use, combining heritage protection, modern workspace development, and sustainable agriculture. The organization also runs a rent deposit solidarity fund to help individuals in northwest Switzerland access housing and supports early-career artists and cultural projects. The foundation is managed by a board and a professional team based in Basel, maintaining a focus on long-term stewardship over speculation and fast turnover.