The district was almost completely destroyed during World War II but was rebuilt from 1957 to 1961 as a social housing project by international master architects such as Alvar Aalto, Egon Eiermann, Walter Gropius, Oscar Niemeyer, and Sep Ruf.

Called Interbau, the whole ensemble has two churches (St. Ansgar and Kaiser-Friedrich-Gedächtniskirche).

Hansaplatz, the central square, has a small shopping arcade, a library and the Grips-Theater.

Hansaplatz subway station was built in 1957, though the U9 line did not open until 1961.

Bellevue Palace, the residence of the German president is nearby.