Luitpoldkaserne

The Luitpoldkaserne stands in Munich’s north near the old town, a former military site built at the end of the 19th century. It began as Luftschifferkaserne for Bavarian army air units and later housed refugees after the Second World War. American forces rebuilt parts of the barracks before handing them to the Bundeswehr in 1955. The Army Medical School moved in during 1957 and stayed until 1980. Other occupants included a professional school and a southern Germany recruitment centre. The site saw several changes after the Bundeswehr left in 1999. Most buildings were rented to civilian firms while plans were made for new homes and shops. The city of Munich bought the land in 2004 and later approved a housing scheme. An earlier proposal by the Deutscher Werkbund was rejected by the council. Empty barracks and parade grounds remained until redevelopment began. Visitors now see a mix of old military buildings and new construction. Some original structures still stand along Infanteriestraße. The area is slowly filling with modern apartments and offices. The contrast between historic walls and new streets shows Munich’s changing use of land. The site no longer looks like a barracks but keeps traces of its past in its layout.