[8] The Administrators’ Room: financing the construction and managing assets From the 13th century onwards, the Œuvre Notre-Dame amassed property assets through donations from bene- factors. These gifts – often in the form of houses, land, or annuities –...
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[8] The Administrators’ Room: financing the construction and managing assets From the 13th century onwards, the Œuvre Notre-Dame amassed property assets through donations from bene- factors. These gifts – often in the form of houses, land, or annuities – generated a steady income. The most favourable period occurred after the Great Plague of 1349: given the high mortality rates, land prices dwindled with the population. The Œuvre was able to purchase numerous properties while receiving additional dona- tions from thankful survivors. It subsequently doubled its assets and lent money, providing support to towns- people and peasants alike. After 1360, donations declined and purchases became less frequent, particularly in the 15th century due to economic conditions. Towards the end of the century, the Œuvre resumed its investments by purchasing forests surrounding its Elmersforst estate near Balbronn, as well as land in villages on the right bank of the Rhine, such as Kehl and its environs
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