At 22 Ujazdowskie Avenue (formerly 34 Ujazdowskie Avenue), there is a historic tenement house owned by Władysław Ławrynowicz. The building, erected in 1895, is a valuable example of late 19th century Warsaw architecture and is listed in the register of historical monuments. The property stands out for its unique style inspired by Venetian palaces and its rich history.
The building was designed by the renowned architect Józef Pius Dziekoński. Its façade, inspired by Venetian palaces, especially the Palazzo Ca’ d’Oro, is one of the most characteristic elements of the composition. It is lined with clinker bricks in shades of red and yellow, sourced from the Granzow works in Kawęczyn. The architectural details reveal the architect’s penchant for rich ornamentation – for example, the balcony loggias on the top floor and the stepped gables of the side risalits give the whole building a neo-Gothic feel.
The large shop windows of the ground floor, closed with a pointed arch, are supported by an iron structure, using unique solutions such as columns made from recycled railway rails. The gate passage leading to the well-type courtyard attracts attention with its cross-vaulted ceiling and hand-forged grating made in Siarkiewicz’s workshop. Inside, the original staircase with decorative balustrade, yellow-grey tiled floor and cream-yellow doors to the flats have been preserved. White niches have been placed on the staircases to emphasise the elegance of the finish.
June 1938 and November 2024. Source: State Archive in Warsaw and whiteMAD/Mateusz Markowski
Over the years, the tenement changed owners. After Władysław Ławrynowicz it passed into the hands of his heirs, and in the following decades it was owned by, among others, Jakub Potocki, Stanisław Popowicz and his wife Michalina Maria née Murawska. In the interwar period, the building served as the headquarters of the German representation, which was later moved to one of the palaces on Piękna Street. The last pre-war owner of the property was T. Przeworski.
During World War II, the front part of the building was consumed by fire, although its structure survived. After the war, the tenement was rebuilt and in 1955 it became the property of the State Treasury. During the communist era, it housed, among other things, a shop selling Calisia pianos and pianos. In the 1970s, the building underwent a general renovation. Another restoration took place in 1993. At that time, the façade was restored to its original splendour.
Ujazdowskie Avenue in 1958 and today. Source: album “Warsaw 1960” published by Arkady and whiteMAD/Mateusz Markowski
A fragment of the avenue in the 1980s and today. Source: album “Warsaw” published by Interpress 1985 and whiteMAD/Mateusz Markowski
The townhouse is currently being upgraded again to accommodate new functions, making it impossible to enter the building. The plans for the development include the creation of luxury flats and service spaces on the ground floor.
The Władysław Ławrynowicz tenement house is not only a monument, but also a witness to the changing fortunes of Warsaw. Its unique architecture makes it one of the most interesting buildings in the capital.
Source: iwaw.pl, warszawskieunikaty.home.blog
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