Roosevelta 9

A staircase like a fairy tale. You can see it in one of Poznań’s Art Nouveau townhouses

On Roosevelta Street in Poznań you can admire the impressive Art Nouveau townhouses that were built in the early 20th century for German officials. Their first owner was the Cooperative of German Officials (Deutscher-Beamter-Wohnungs-Bau-Verein). One of the most interesting buildings in this complex is the tenement at 9 Roosevelta Street, which stands out with its unusual staircase, a true work of Art Nouveau art.

The complex of townhouses on Roosevelta Street was built after 1905 and was designed by the well-known architectural firm of Böhmer & Preul. The buildings were distinguished by their carefully considered interior functionality and richly decorated facades. In the case of tenement number 9, although its decoration is more modest than that of the neighbouring buildings, attention is drawn to the characteristic towers topped by cupolas, as well as the varied balconies and loggias. The façade, enriched with elements of Prussian brickwork, emphasises the unique character of the building. One of the most valuable elements of the building at 9 Roosevelta Street is its staircase, which has retained numerous original Art Nouveau decorations. The wooden balustrades, intricately decorated with floral ornaments, testify to the extraordinary attention to detail. The stained glass in the doors and windows, letting coloured light into the interior, adds a unique charm to the space and emphasises the atmosphere of the period.

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The staircase, like the entire townhouse, was designed to harmoniously combine aesthetics and functionality. The Art Nouveau style of the interior is evident not only in the ornamentation, but also in the flowing lines and organic decorative motifs. Thanks to the initiative of the Municipal Conservator of Monuments, in cooperation with the Jeżyce Housing Cooperative, the tenement house is being successively renovated. As part of these measures, the front façade, roof, balconies and the building’s damp-proofing have been restored. Particular attention was also given to the restoration of the impressive staircase, whose details – including balustrades and stained-glass windows – have regained their former splendour.

The building at 9 Roosevelta Street is listed in the register of historical monuments, and its historical and architectural value cannot be overestimated. Interestingly, it was in this building that the studio of architects Hermann Böhmer and Paul Preul – the creators of the entire ensemble of Art Nouveau townhouses – was located. The fairytale staircase, which is located in the tenement, is not only a testimony to the former splendour of Art Nouveau, but also an example of the careful protection and preservation of Poznań’s historical monuments. Walking down Roosevelt Street, it is worth stopping for a moment to admire this exceptional and unique part of the city.

Source: poznan.pl, zabytek.pl

Photos: TenementLove

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