The lime kiln at Eskesberg was built around 1850 and documents the beginnings of industrial lime production in Wuppertal. In the west of the city, around the village of Dornap, an important lime industry developed at this time in the neighbourhood of the steelworks of the Ruhr area. The lime industry in Wuppertal at times produced about 50% of Germany's lime requirements. The burnt lime was a sought-after aggregate for steel smelting. The lime kiln remained in operation until 1942. Then production had to be stopped because during the Second World War the glowing stone of the kiln was a highly visible landmark for Allied bombers.

Together with the Sonnborn-Zoo-Varresbeck citizens' association, a new concept is being developed, which will be the basis for the restoration of this unique industrial monument.