In the Tricity, one of the largest historic renovation projects being carried out by Gdanskie Nieruchomości is coming to an end. It concerns the redevelopment of the building at 43A Zwycięstwa Avenue, known years ago as Café Halbe Alee. The entire investment, which cost more than PLN 14.5 million, is financed from the city budget.
Café Halbe Alee – a place with history
Café Halbe Alee operated from 1903 until the end of the Second World War. During the period of the Free City of Gdansk, the premises was a meeting place for crowned heads, members of the city’s elite, as well as intelligence officers, including Major Jan Żychoń and Jerzy Sosnowski. The restaurant was popular until the summer of 1944. The wooden verandas survived the war damage and after 1945 the building changed function and housed a grocery shop, warehouse and various service outlets. Until recently, the “Vis – Dent” Medical and Dental Centre operated there.
Redevelopment at 43A Zwycięstwa Avenue
The building itself at 43A Zwycięstwa Avenue (then Große Allee) was built in 1898, and five years later the famous café opened on its doorstep. The buildings were an example of service-oriented architecture made of wood, characteristic of the turn of the 20th century. The design of the elegant veranda was reminiscent of half-timbering. Similar developments could also be found in Sopot or in the cure garden in Stogi.
Prior to the start of the renovation in 2023, the technical condition of the wooden elements, which had not been maintained for many years, proved so bad that the pavilion had to be dismantled and fully reconstructed. The work was carried out under the close supervision of the Pomeranian Provincial Conservator of Monuments, taking into account surviving structural details and archival photographs.
Scope of work in the former Café Halbe Alee
The reconstruction began in April 2023. It was originally scheduled for completion at the end of 2024, but the deadline was extended due to additional works. The investment is now entering its final stage. In the course of completion, the window and door joinery has been restored, the roof structure has been replaced, and all installations have been replaced. The building was equipped with underfloor heating, monitoring and a utility management system. The layout of the interiors was adapted to modern needs, taking into account, among other things, accessibility for people with disabilities. The historic cast-iron pillars found during the works were also exposed.
The new restaurant at 43A Zwycięstwa Avenue in Gdańsk
The historic veranda is already visible from Zwycięstwa Avenue, and the building will soon become a meeting place for residents and visitors once again. Gdańskie Nieruchomości has announced a competition for the operator of a restaurant to operate in the renovated building. The neighbouring building at 43 Zwycięstwa Avenue also houses the new headquarters of the district council.
Source: Gdańskie Nieruchomości
Read also: Architecture in Poland | Architecture | Metamorphosis | Renovation | History | Gdańsk
The restaurant in the early 20th century and today. Photo: fotopolska.eu/Gdansk Real Estates
The building in 2012 and 2025. Fot. † Yanek/fotopolska.eu and Gdańskie Nieruchomości
