Kerkrade four monuments richer
The municipality of Kerkrade has gained four monuments. They are the former post office on Hoofdstraat, the former Handelsbank on Grupellostraat, a double house on the corner of Hoofdstraat/Oranjestraat and the well-known statue D'r Joep on Markt.
Alderman Tim Weijers (Ruimtelijke Ordening/Vastgoed): "It is very important to preserve striking and special buildings in Kerkrade for the future. We need to cherish these special locations."
Before the buildings and statue were designated as municipal monuments, advice was sought from Kerkrade's new monument committee. Its opinion was positive. Interested parties, such as the owners of the buildings, were also asked about their views on monumental status.
Former post office
The former post office from 1908 with director's residence, is a design by state architect D.E.C. Knuttel. Striking detail: at the intersection of the ridge beams of the saddle roof, there is still the remnant of a trefoil. The building is a monument because of its architecture, its position in the streetscape and its social-historical significance.
Former Commercial Bank
The characteristic former Kerkrade Commercial Bank with director's residence, built in 1919, has special value. Its building mass, brick architecture and position in the streetscape are sufficient reason for its preservation for the future.
Double dwelling house
At the corner of Main Street and Oranjestraat is a double corner building also designated as a monument. First, in 1922, the building on Oranjestraat was built as a pharmacy and residence. Two years later, the residence on Main Street was added. Only a year later, this residential house was already converted into a shophouse and a warehouse was added at the same time. The basic form and use of materials of both buildings show great similarities, but the detailing and use of brick and natural stone show notable differences between them.
D'r Joep
With the bronze statue D'r Joep, also known as the Miner, Kerkrade has gained a monument that refers to its local past. After all, the sculpture on the Markt is a tribute to all miners, especially those who lost their lives in the dangerous work in the coal mines. As such, the artwork is also considered the National Monument of the Miner. The statue was designed by Limburg-born sculptor Wim C. van Hoorn (1908-1979) and cast by the bronze casters Binder- Schmidt.