The early 20th century witnessed significant efforts by the Jewish community in Germany to overcome economic challenges and anti-semitic prejudices through agricultural initiatives. One such effort was the founding of the Boden-Kulturverein (Soil Culture Association) in 1897, which played a crucial role in promoting agricultural labor and settlement among Jewish populations, particularly around Berlin.

In Berlin, the association focused on acquiring and cultivating land to establish Jewish agricultural settlements. This initiative not only provided a means of livelihood for the Jewish community but also served as a tool to resist social marginalization. The association developed projects such as the one located in Buckow, at Marienfelder Chaussee 98, a property that was purchased in 1921. It intended to use it as a site as an agricultural training school to prepare Jewish youth for farming and self-sufficiency.

Initially, the building on Marienfelder Chaussee street was not well-equipped for its intended use, lacking the necessary facilities and infrastructure. The association planned significant renovations to convert it into a functional agricultural school. These plans included the construction of dormitories, storage rooms for agricultural tools, and spaces for various farming activities. However, the process was fraught with challenges, including financial constraints and difficulties in obtaining necessary permits.

Despite these obstacles, the association managed to proceed with some of the planned renovations. By 1925, the building was in use, although the extensive upgrades envisioned were not fully realized. The property was seen as a crucial step in the association’s broader mission to empower Jewish youth through agricultural training, against a backdrop of increasing social and political pressures on the Jewish community in Germany.