Henning G. Kruse Foundation donates landmark building in Esbjerg to SDU
On 1 May 2025, the Henning G. Kruse Foundation will transfer the landmark property at Sædding Strandvej 18 in Esbjerg to the University of Southern Denmark. The building was previously the private residence of pioneer and businessman Henning G. Kruse and has been owned by the Henning G. Kruse Foundation since his death in 2022. Now the building will be used for research and development activities.
The pioneer and businessman Henning G. Kruse (1940-2022) was driven to create growth and development in Esbjerg and Southwest Jutland. For decades, he was behind several prominent maritime companies in Esbjerg. In 1999, Henning G. Kruse built the iconic building at Sædding Strandvej 18 in Esbjerg.
The Henning G. Kruse Foundation has now decided to donate the building to SDU, which has strong roots in Southwest Jutland, South and South Jutland and Funen. SDU is a significant player in Esbjerg and has ambitions to strengthen its research and education activities in Southwest Jutland.
Investment in the city and the region
SDU sees great potential in the building and has already considered possible uses for it that can contribute to continued growth and development in Esbjerg - including as a research retreat, guest accommodation, for meetings, seminars and representation.
– First and foremost, we would like to say that we are very grateful for the donation. We are honored that the Henning G. Kruse Foundation considers SDU a worthy recipient of the building, and we very much look forward to continuing the property in accordance with the spirit of Henning G. Kruse and the wishes of the Foundation, says Jens Ringsmose, Rector of SDU. He continues:
– SDU's most important task is to create value for and with society through research and education, and this donation will support that. We have many ideas about how we can use the building, and we will now prepare a detailed plan for its interior design and operation.
– SDU is working to attract talent, develop new research and strengthen collaboration with the business community. When the Henning G. Kruse Foundation chooses to support the university in this way, it is an investment in the development of the city and the region – and we are very pleased. Strong partnerships between research, education and business are needed. This donation is a concrete step in that direction, emphasises Jens Ringsmose.
Framework for development and innovation
– It is with great pleasure that we at the Henning G. Kruse Foundation have decided to donate our house at Sædding Strandvej 18 to the University of Southern Denmark, says Marianne Kruse, Chairman of the Board.
– The house has always had a special meaning for our father, and we are convinced that it will now have a purpose that reflects his values and visions.
She emphasises that the handover is done with the clear goal of contributing to education and research, development and innovation. This is what the house will now provide a framework for, and it's something that is very close to the foundation's heart.
– Our father played a key role in the establishment of the offshore sector in Esbjerg, and it is a great pleasure to be able to continue his commitment through the foundation's support for future researchers and talents who create new developments. The house, with its unique location, will undoubtedly be an inspiring setting for this work. It now takes on a new role that harmonises with our father's desire to create something lasting and meaningful - a place where sky and sea meet in a shared vision of the future, she concludes.
The facts
The villa in the very special location facing the sea was designed by Søren Nørgaard, Lolk Architects, and was recognised in 2000 by the Esbjerg City Foundation for good and distinctive new construction. The style is maritime, and the building of just under 400 m² is harmonious and simple in form and architecture. The property is located opposite the Fisheries and Maritime Museum and is a neighbour to People by the Sea by Svend Wiig Hansen. The Esbjerg Strand project with a new marina and harbour bath is within walking distance.
The Henning G. Kruse Foundation is a non-profit and charitable foundation founded in 2016 by Henning G. Kruse. The foundation supports research and business development projects that create continued development in Esbjerg and Southwest Jutland.
From left in the picture above: Marianne Kolenda Kruse, Chairman of the Board of the Henning G. Kruse Foundation, Jens Ringsmose, Rector, and Lars Kruse, investor and entrepreneur.