A spectacular renovation of the facade of a tenement building standing at 62 Targowa Street in Warsaw has just been completed. The building was constructed at the end of the 19th century and after the war lost much of its former decoration. Thanks to research and financial support from the city, the façade has regained its appearance from the time of construction. The grey plasterwork was replaced with new, precisely reconstructed cladding and enriched with details. The project was initiated by the housing association and a grant was provided by the Office of the Capital Conservator of Monuments.
62 Targowa Street before renovation
The tenement house was built in the last decade of the 19th century as the property of Hersz Grunberg, a merchant from Nalewki. It was designed in a neo-Gothic style with rich decoration. The building survived the World War II period without serious damage, but was in need of renovation. The authorities of the time decided that it would be easier to remove most of the ornamentation than to preserve it. The entire ceramic cladding was removed and most of the other decorative elements on the façade were removed. In the 1960s, secondary cement plaster was applied to the façade, the balconies were simplified and the window frames were replaced, which significantly impoverished the appearance of the building. In this condition it has survived for decades.
Reconstruction of the historic décor
In 2024, the residential community in began preparations to restore the façade to its former appearance. Architectural research and the analysis of fragments of the original cladding made it possible to establish the original colour and layout of the ceramic elements. Photographic documentation and comparisons with other neo-Gothic townhouses in the city proved very helpful in the design work. The collected materials made it possible to obtain the required permits from the conservator. The City of Warsaw provided more than PLN 351,000 for the renovation, which covered part of the cost of the investment valued at more than PLN 1.5 million.
62 Targowa Street in Warsaw and the scope of the works
The scope of work included the removal of secondary plasterwork, the cleaning and strengthening of the walls, the reconstruction of the ceramic facing and the restoration of the details and stucco. Neo-Gothic metalwork and historic balconies with baluster balustrades were also restored. In addition, the worn flashings and guttering were replaced, the foundations were insulated and the signs of the ground-floor units were cleaned up. Windows were replaced in the common areas, including those of arched form in the attic. The work did not include windows in private flats or shopfronts, for which more funding is needed. One flat has retained its former green-coloured joinery, which may become a clue in further planned refurbishment work.
Praga is getting more beautiful!
The renovated façade at 62 Targowa Street has joined the group of buildings in Praga that have undergone a significant metamorphosis in recent years. The district can boast several really successful renovations of townhouses. The completed renovation at Targowa 62 is another step in the image transformation of the right bank of Warsaw.
Source: Warsaw City Hall
Read also: Architecture | Tenement | City | Warsaw | Architecture in Poland
62 Targowa Street in 1941 and before renovation. Source: Mazovian Voivodeship Historic Preservation Officer and Google Maps
The tenement house until recently and now. Source: Google Maps and Na zawsze Warszawa/facebook
