Flaktürme, Nazi AA-Gun Turret Post and Miniature Fortress from WWII, c. 1940

“A series of eight large, above-ground, AA-Gun blockhouse towers constructed in the cities of Berlin (3), Hamburg (2), and Vienna (3) from 1940 onwards. They were used by the Luftwaffe to defend against Allied air raids on these cities during World War II. They also served as air-raid shelters for tens of thousands of people and to coordinate air defense. Each flak tower complex consisted of a G-Tower (Gefechtsturm) or Combat Tower, also known as the Gun Tower, Battery Tower or Large Flak Tower, and a L-Tower (Leitturm) or Lead Tower also known as the Fire-control tower, command tower, listening bunker or small flak tower.” Four of the most robust fortresses are listed here:

1. Flaktürme IV G-Tower, Heiligengeistfeld (1st Generation), Hamburg, Germany, 1940
2. Flaktürme V G-Tower, Wilhelmsburg (2nd Generation), Hamburg, 1940
3. Flaktürme VII G-Tower, Augarten (3rd Generation), Vienna, Austria, 1940
4. Flaktürme VII L-Tower, Augarten (3rd Generation), Vienna, Austria, 1940
   

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The possibility exists for retrofitting these structures for contemporary needs. Some work has been done already (e.g. Wilhelmsburg G-Tower was transformed into a nightclub with a music school and music shops). Makes one think about what will become of Fort McPherson here in East Point / Atlanta.