The historic Lilpop tenement house at 1 Zgoda Street in Warsaw has changed hands and is finally set to undergo a thorough renovation, which it has been awaiting for many years. The abandoned building, dating back to 1877, is located right next to the so-called Five Corners Square and is a shameful example of the lack of proper care for Polish monuments. The purchase of the property by Revive is its first venture in the capital and its third project in Poland.
Revive has purchased the tenement house at Zgoda 1
Revive has finalised the purchase of a distinctive wedge-shaped tenement house located in a very prominent spot, passed by thousands of people, at the intersection of Zgoda and Chmielna Streets, in the immediate vicinity of the so-called Five Corners Square, which has been revitalised in recent years. The location has gained significantly in importance and value following the transformation of the surrounding public space. The works have significantly improved the aesthetics and functionality of this part of Śródmieście, introducing pedestrian zones, greenery, benches and new pavements. The owner of the Lilpop tenement house at 1 Zgoda Street has announced intensive construction work, immediately after obtaining the required decisions and approvals. This is a huge opportunity for this unique monument.
History and architecture of the Lilpop tenement house
The tenement house was built in 1877 for Maria Lilpop, née Werner, on the foundations of an earlier house from 1828. It was designed by Edward Lilpop, a well-known Warsaw architect associated with the investor’s family. The building is distinguished by its wedge-shaped layout, and its corner with balconies is sometimes associated with the famous Flatiron Building in New York. In 1902, the building was raised by several storeys, changing its original scale and silhouette. Today, it has five floors, which gives it considerable dominance in the immediate neighbourhood.
Zgoda 1 and its fate
During World War II, the tenement house was damaged, but it remained in relatively good condition and was quickly renovated. Paradoxically, it was the following years that brought the greatest devastation to the building. Successive tenants effectively destroyed the beautiful, original interiors, removing decorative elements, including wall and ceiling decorations, impressive tiled stoves and original woodwork. Subsequent actions by the new owner led to further irreversible losses when he began renovating the building without consulting the conservator, removing, among other things, the remaining details, the roof, the lift and the staircases. Ultimately, the building ended up in the hands of a foreign company and remained almost completely abandoned for years, with the ground floor facing Chmielna Street covered with graffiti and posters, and the façade facing Zgoda Street covered with netting.
Plans for the historic building at 1 Zgoda Street
The new investor declares that it will restore the full functionality of the damaged historic tenement house while preserving its historical value. Apartments are to be built on six floors, while the ground floor and basement will be used for commercial purposes. Ghent-based developer Revive specialises in transforming neglected and unused properties into active urban spaces. The company carries out projects in several European countries, including Poland and Portugal, focusing on restoring buildings with high potential to use. The Lilpop tenement house at 1 Zgoda Street certainly has no shortage of potential, so we are keeping our fingers crossed for the success of this investment.
Sources:Mazovian Provincial Conservator of Monuments, urbanity.pl
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