The square was laid out as part of the development of the new Westend district between 1904 and 1908 and then named Reichskanzlerplatz after the office of the Chancellor of Germany. After the Nazi Party took power, the square was renamed Adolf Hitler Platz on 21 April 1933. According to the Welthauptstadt Germania plans by Adolf Hitler and his architect Albert Speer, it was to have an important role at the western end of the monumental east-west axis, including a vast heroes' memorial. After World War II, its name officially returned to Reichskanzlerplatz on 31 July 1947. On 18 December 1963, six days after President Heuss died, the square was given its present name.