The initiative, part of a broader project to upgrade Holtenauer Straße, incorporates ideas gathered from residents, businesses, and local organizations. The goal is multifaceted: to enhance the experience of living and working in the area, increase pedestrian safety, and create an appealing environment for everyone.

According to Jule Segebrecht, district manager of Kiel-Marketing eV, the project addresses core community needs. “We are pleased to upgrade the special district center Holtenauer straße through the neighborhood management,” Segebrecht said. “With the game points, a directly visible and experienced measure was created, which lives up to the neighborhood sustainably and was expressed as the wish of the local population.”

Inauguration and Community rally

The official launch took place on April 24, 2025, with children from the Heiligengeist daycare center gathering in front of the Ansgarkirche. A game rally was organized, allowing the children, along with Segebrecht, Marten Freund, CEO of “Die Holtenauer EV,” and Jessica Kahlo, director of the Kita (daycare center), to explore the new attractions.

the five “game points” are strategically located at:

• Holtenauer Str. 57 (Height basil)
• Holtenauer Str. 75 (At the dance school Gemind)
• Holtenauer Str. 99 (At the Schauspielhaus)
• Holtenauer Str.114a (At the holsten pharmacy)
• Holtenauer Str. 148 (Height stop Schauspielhaus)

Connecting the Neighborhood

Johannes Hesse, Head of the City and City Management at Kiel-Marketing eV, highlighted the unifying aspect of the project. “The game points not only meet the desire for family-amiable offers and a general upgrading of the living and work space, but also geographically combine the southern with the northern part of Holtenauer Straße through a centrally invigorating element,” Hesse said. This is particularly relevant in areas where distinct sections of a neighborhood might feel disconnected.

Marten Freund of “Die Holtenauer EV” echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of creating a vibrant streetscape. “The street lives not only from the shops,but also from the people who live in the neighborhood,” Freund said. “It is important to create offers so that people are happy to stay on our street and we look forward to the game points to make a contribution to a more attractive promenade mile.”

The project is supported by the federal program “lasting inner cities and centers” (ZIZ). Kiel-Marketing, as an association and GmbH, consolidates resources from businesses, institutions, residents, and the state capital to promote urban development.

Lessons for U.S. Urban Planning

The Holtenauer Straße project offers several valuable lessons for urban planning initiatives in the United States. The emphasis on community input aligns with best practices in participatory design, ensuring that developments meet the specific needs and desires of local residents. The strategic placement of “game points” to connect different parts of the district mirrors efforts in some U.S. cities to use public art and placemaking initiatives to bridge divides and create a sense of cohesion.

For example, the “High Line” in New York City transformed an abandoned elevated railway into a popular public park, stimulating economic development and connecting previously isolated neighborhoods. Similarly, the “Rail Park” in philadelphia converted unused railway lines into a linear park and community space.Both projects demonstrate the power of creative urban design to enhance quality of life and promote social interaction.

While such initiatives have proven accomplished, they also face challenges. critics often argue that these projects can lead to gentrification, driving up property values and displacing long-time residents. To mitigate this risk, cities must implement policies that preserve affordable housing and protect vulnerable populations. Community land trusts, rent control measures, and inclusionary zoning can definitely help ensure that the benefits of urban revitalization are shared equitably.

The Role of Public-Private Partnerships

The Holtenauer Straße project highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in urban development. By bringing together government agencies, private businesses, and community organizations, Kiel-Marketing was able to leverage diverse resources and expertise. This collaborative approach can be particularly effective in addressing complex challenges such as urban decay and economic revitalization.

In the U.S., similar partnerships have been instrumental in transforming blighted areas into vibrant mixed-use districts. For instance, the redevelopment of downtown Pittsburgh involved collaboration between the city government, foundations, and private developers. the result was a thriving urban center with new housing,retail,and office space.

Balancing Progress and Preservation

One potential counterargument to such development projects is the concern over preserving the unique character of a neighborhood. while improvements are welcome, some residents might fear that modernization could lead to a loss of historical identity or the displacement of local businesses. the Holtenauer Straße project seems to address this by focusing on enhancements that complement the existing environment, rather than imposing radical changes. the “game points,” for example, are designed to be integrated seamlessly into the streetscape, adding a playful element without disrupting the overall aesthetic.

FAQ: Community revitalization Projects