The Jordaan: from garden to legendary Amsterdam working-class quarter
Walk along the Rozengracht and the Prinsengracht, through the Negen Straatjes, past the Anne Frank House and under the gaze of the Westertoren, and you feel the character of the Jordaan straight away. The best-known explanation traces the name to the French le jardin, meaning ‘garden’. What was once green land on the edge of the city grew into the cradle of the Dutch levenslied, the popular ballad tradition that gave the country singers such as Willeke Alberti and René Froger.
Saved from demolition
It came close to disappearing altogether. A redevelopment plan by the City of Amsterdam proposed a drastic clearance: large parts of the old quarter would make way for new housing and wider streets, on the assumption that patching things up no longer made sense.
Mass protest by residents stopped the demolition. That is why the characterful old buildings and canals still define the heart of Amsterdam.
Looking for a maintenance company in de Jordaan? Have a look at our recent projects or at the service packages for recurring maintenance.
Happily, a great many listed buildings have survived, and those are exactly the ones that need continuous care. Wooden frames, pointing, plasterwork and old pipework simply wear faster than in a new-build home, and in a property like this deferred maintenance soon becomes expensive. Paintwork does most of the heavy lifting here: a well-maintained coat keeps moisture out of the timber and holds rot at bay, adding years to the life of frames and façade. We are glad to help, with respect for what is already there.