Starting in 2019, the building standing at Marszałkowska 55/73 is undergoing a gradual process of façade renovation, which aims not only to restore its former glory but also to ensure the safety of its users. The housing community, aiming for a comprehensive renovation, is dividing the work into stages, which is a response to the high costs involved in protecting historical architectural details. Significant financial support is provided by a grant of PLN 356,000 from the City of Warsaw, which accounts for a significant part of the total expenditure.
In the current stage of the renovation, the main work will focus on the crowning cornice, the stone cladding and the flashings, which will be replaced. For years, the cornice had been protected by a makeshift mesh due to the threat of fragments falling off, leaving the building vulnerable to further damage. It is now planned to inspect and maintain all the stone cladding panels, which include the decorative window frames, bay windows and lower floor areas. These elements, which make up nearly a third of the façade area, will be carefully cleaned, restored and fixed to the ground with new anchors to ensure their durability and aesthetics for years to come. The initial stage of this work, involving cleaning and the removal of loose fragments, is currently underway.
The building at Marszałkowska 55/73 is not only a place where many people live, but also an important part of the Marszałkowska Residential District (MDM), which was established in 1950-55 and listed as a historic building in 2017. Previous conservation work has focused on saving unique architectural details, such as the sgraffito over the gates. The conservation of the sgraffito over the south gate was particularly urgent due to its poor technical condition, which threatened to become permanently damaged. Similar work was carried out on the sgraffito over the north gate in 2020, at the same time as other repairs were carried out on the gate axes of the facade.
The renovation at Marszałkowska 55/73 not only contributes to the preservation of the historical value of the building, but is also an example of effective management of the city’s cultural heritage. Thanks to the cooperation of residents, local authorities and conservation specialists, the project is likely to bring long-term benefits, providing comfort and safety for residents and a renewed image of this landmark on the map of Warsaw.
Source: um.warszawa.pl
Read also: Architecture | Tenement | City | Warsaw | Architecture in Poland
