A place with deep ties to transatlantic tales is set to be born again — not as a private group, but a welcome mat to democracy.

The American Embassy Club – A Gift for Free?

Back in 1999, when the German leaders moved to Berlin, the American Embassy Club in Bonn — home to 1,000 members and up to 600 spaces for U.S. staff — was given to the City of Bonn. For free. In turn, the U.S. got long leases for living and work spaces in Berlin.

While some saw this as a good trade, others saw it as a lost chance: even with lots of euros coming in from renting out these spaces each month, Bonn’s money woes kept growing. What might have been a start for something new turned into a sign of short-sighted politics.

A Student’s Memory – Days at the Club

I often think back to my time as a student at Bonn American High School. During lunch breaks, I’d sneak to the Ranchkeller for a cheeseburger and fries — the type you get in America. Being let into the Club back then meant a lot.

Fritz, the guy who looked after the halls and the pool, was famous. He’d often let me hang out at the pool or the outside areas. We weren’t causing trouble — we just wanted to be part of something big, something from far away.

Hotel Dreams and Broken Promises

After the Club shut for good, people had many ideas for what to do next. Around 2010, there was a plan for a fancy hotel, but it never happened. For now, parts of the place are being rented to the Bonn International School (BIS). No one really knows how much the school pays.

The old building and nearby tennis courts slowly fell apart. Without a clear plan, the place just sat there — stuck between old memories and neglect.

2024: A Fresh Start – Open Embassy for Democracy

Finally, in 2024, the Montag Foundations set up a big contest for new designs. The mission? To turn the old American Club into an “Open Embassy for Democracy” — a place for everyone to take part, talk, and learn about democracy.

Top Design by Korteknie Stuhlmacher Architects & H+N+S Landscape Designers:

• A big hall with stepped seating linking all floors
• public kitchen in the middle as a social spot
• Remake of the Riverside Zone with green public spaces, places to sit, and event areas
• The old driveway will turn into a new “Rhine Balcony” with great views
• All spots will be easy to reach, open, and friendly

The project is named “Metabolism” — showing it’s a change from a private club to a public space.

What’s the Price?

Many questions about the building’s state, how much fixing it will cost, and its true worth. It could cost millions of euros. The city hasn’t decided yet — will it buy the place, or will the foundations manage it?

What’s sure: the old tennis courts and outdoor spaces are still there. Adding them could really change the value and design plans.

A Place of Memories and Potential

For those who remember the Club’s best times, this change is very personal. The Open Embassy for Democracy isn’t just a new way to use an old spot — it’s a new chapter for Bonn’s place in the world.

Were you part of this history?

I’d love to hear your stories, thoughts, or see your photos from those days at the Club. Let’s keep these memories alive — and help guide its future.

📬 Share your story or thoughts below — or get in touch with me.