Frankfurt suffered poverty in the interwar years, and above all, a dire shortage of housing. In the course of the “Neues Frankfurt” housing program—and within a very short period up to 1930—twelve thousand residential units were constructed. From the start they have been extended, both vertically and horizontally, to meet their owners’ need for more space. Adding cheerful colors and the occasional flamboyant stylistic gesture, the owners have turned roof gardens into permanent living space, built extensions encroaching on allotment gardens, and constructed entrance porches on the street frontage.