De Speelman, Rotterdam

De Speelman stands as a tower mill within the Overschie sub-municipality of Rotterdam. Erected during 1970-1971, this current mill took the place of the De Hoop mill, which was razed during the 1960s due to its hazardous interference with air traffic to and from Zestienhoven airport.

Originally constructed in 1712 as a ground sailer, De Hoop replaced a conventional mill that had occupied the site since the 16th century. Around 1860 (or 1872), the mill underwent elevation and transformation into a tower mill. By 1900, a new mill emerged, propelled by a steam engine, though its operation ceased in 1925.

In 1940, German forces invaded Overschie, taking over the mill. Dutch troops later confused it as an enemy post and accidentally targeted it. Conscript sergeant A.J.F. de Bruijn bravely guided his comrades through the confusion, allowing their escape. Despite damage, the mill was restored in 1941 and kept milling wheat during World War II.

By the early 1960s, De Hoop had significantly diminished its operations. An action committee spearheaded the mill's reconstruction in a new Overschie location in 1971. It was then renamed De Speelman, paying homage to the Speelman family who had managed and supported the mill for many years.

Despite De Speelman's construction heralding the apparent end of De Hoop, a change of ownership in 2006 led to the refurbishment of the mill structure and its transformation into an office building. The renovation reached completion in 2009.