The Anjeliersgracht was dug in the first half of the 17th century as part of the city's expansion program.

The canal was dug in 1650; it was filled in in 1861 (the water quality was poor, and there was a need to create room for traffic[1]), and was called Westerstraat.

Many streets in the Jordaan had alleys between the houses; some of these were covered by other buildings in the course of time.

The group had the status of Rijksmonument, and neighbors and organizations had protested against its planned demolition.

Queen Beatrix opened the new set of buildings in 2012; the project was financed by the Bankgiroloterij.