In 1910, the construction of Philipsdorp began in response to the poor living conditions of workers’ housing in the center of Eindhoven. The houses were often small, dark and overcrowded, and the growing labor force caused an enormous housing shortage. Philips therefore bought land on the road from Eindhoven to Strijp in 1909 and a year later delivered the first 133 homes, in streets named after members of the Philips family. Modern facilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewerage and a private garden were very progressive at the time and the rent was only 1.75 guilders (€ 0.80)
The design of the houses and the district was by urban planner Gerrit Jan de Jongh, Anton Philips’ father-in-law, inspired by English garden villages such as Port Sunlight. Philipsdorp not only offered housing, but also its own facilities such as a bathhouse, bread factory, sports fields, schools and music associations, which contributed to a strong sense of community.
This is where the foundation of drugstore Etos was laid. On January 2, 1919, the first grocery store for Philips employees only was opened in Philipsdorp on the spot where the coffee house is now located. Later, the cooperative became independent and continued under the name Etos (Eendracht, Toewijding, Overleg en Samenwerkings). From that moment on, everyone could go there and that is still the case.
Between 1910 and 1920, a total of seven hundred homes were built, one of which was the birthplace of the future president of Philips, Wisse Dekker. Nowadays, Philipsdorp has lost its function as a factory village. In 2003, the district was recognized as a protected cityscape, and in 2010 the village celebrated its 100th anniversary. Two years later, in 2012, the housing company decided to renovate the entire village, with results that can still be seen today. Many houses show photos of what it looked like at the time.
Would you like to know more about the history of Philips? Then book our Philips Heritage tour. Also with the E-Fatbike tour Eindhoven and surroundings you will pass through this beautiful neighborhood.
