We can achieve more together
The Edith Maryon Foundation acquires properties and land in Switzerland and neighbouring countries through donations and affordable financing. We prefer to provide real estate and land on a long-term basis under long-term building leases (Switzerland), or hereditary leases (Germany). We support people and organisations who want to implement a project without wanting to own the land themselves through our know-how and organisational structures. We do not invest in such projects, but rather become involved as partners.
The Basis for our Collaboration
If you want to implement a project with us, the Foundation must be or become the property owner. If we acquire a new property, you as the applicant must pay or procure your financial share. For example, this can take the form of a sales price reduction, a partial purchase price transfer, a donation, an interest-free loan or an endowment. This is partly because we support socially responsible projects and therefore cannot and do not want to pay all costs, and partly because we expect our project partners to share our goals. Therefore, we do not approve applications that are only intended to secure project financing. In addition, we do not generally grant loans and do not finance operating costs or the acquisition, remodeling or renovation of properties owned by third parties.
Are you interested in working on a project with us?
Give us a call or send us an E-Mail if you think we might be interested in your project. If we share your opinion after an initial meeting with you, we will need the following documents from you:
- Detailed project description with the proposal and concept
- Presentation of the project initiators
- Statutes and annual reports, if an organization is behind the project
- Cost and financing concept with proof of own funds
- Current land register statement
- Site-map 1:500
- Information on the legal construction situation and community planning (use and development plan)
- Current proof of building insurance
- Estimated market value, if available
- Maps and pictures of the property
- Current rental schedule for apartment buildings
Five Examples
Residential Building Am Kräherwald 313, Stuttgart
Although the Bruhn family was able to afford their home, they wanted us to take their land out of private ownership. We acquired the property, kept the land and made the house available to the family for 99 years under a long-term lease. At the end of this period, the whole property becomes the property of the Foundation without compensation.
“We can use the land, that’s the most important thing. I never feel like it’s mine. That’s a good feeling. Money and possessions are not the deciding factors for a satisfying life. On the contrary, the unequal distribution of resources leads to social discord.”
– Jakob Bruhn
ExRotaprint, Berlin
In 2007, together with the trias Foundation from Hattingen, we purchased the historic landmarked site of the former Rotaprint printing press factory in Berlin-Wedding and leased all of its buildings. ExRotaprint gGmbH leases the 10,000 m2 of space to social projects, art and cultural projects and local tradespersons.
“The money that goes to the foundations via the hereditary lease boosts new projects through the work of the foundations. You may be part of capitalism, but you can already—without revolution—change things, build alternatives, create open spaces.”
– Les Schliesser
Housing development project, Sophie Stinde, Dornach
In 2008, we acquired 10,000 m2 of land and transferred the entire property under long-term building lease. The housing cooperative Sophie Stinde built a mixed housing estate with work and common rooms for all age groups, the Sonnhalde Gempen association built a residential home for people who need special assistance.
“One of the main reasons for me to participate in this project is that the Foundation does not speculate on the land. One has to look at the social, indeed political issues behind all this. Through the foundation, so to speak, we are involved in something much greater.”
– Judith Handschin
Border Studio House, Basel
In 2002, we purchased the former Goldzack factory building together with a residential and ancillary building and made it available to the “Border Cooperative” under long-term building lease. The artists and tradespeople who work and in some cases also live there, developed their studios and the entire property themselves with passionate commitment.
“We know where the money comes from. From people who like our idea. The fact that it works so well strengthens my confidence in social and economic models that are not driven by greed.”
– Susanna Heimann
Residential Property, Staffelenweg 3 und 5, Gelterkinden
Before Marlyse and Heinrich Thommen had their six-family house insulated, they wanted to find out who would own it someday. They donated the land to the foundation and kept their house under leasehold. After expiry of the building lease contract (term 30 years), the house falls to us after payment of reversion compensation.
“For us, the idea of ‘devaluating’ the land is an innovative idea worth putting into practice. After all, the land plots are there to be used, and they are not intended to be used for speculation and to accumulate assets or even just to simulate such value”.
– Heinrich Thommen