Another major renovation is in the pipeline in Gdańsk’s Lower Town. TBS Motława is preparing the documentation for the development on Wróblej and Szczyglej Streets, where the entire frontage of the tenement houses will be restored, including the corner tenement house dating from 1894. The initials ‘AL’, belonging to the building’s first owner, are still visible at the top of the building. The project aims to provide new rental flats at moderate rents, intended for people on average incomes who earn too much to qualify for council housing but too little to secure a mortgage to buy their own home.
The history of this part of Gdańsk dates back to the 19th century. At that time, Dolne Miasto was developing as a densely built-up district for workers, craftsmen and those associated with the port. Along Wróbleja, Szczygla and Kurza Streets, tenement houses were built, forming compact blocks. The development of the area was interrupted by the Second World War. In 1945, a significant part of Dolne Miasto ceased to exist, and the surviving buildings were subsequently neglected, leaving them in ruins today. The situation was particularly dire in the block bounded by Wróblą, Szczyglą, Kieturakisa and Reduta Wyskok streets, where, until a few years ago, there were 12 historic, extremely dilapidated buildings and an outbuilding.
Changes in this forgotten neighbourhood began with the regeneration programme led by TBS Motława. New buildings, scaled to match the historic development, began to appear in place of the post-war gaps. An important stage was the development at 23 Wróblej Street, completed at the end of 2020. Thirty-nine flats, an underground car park and new infrastructure were built there. Thanks to this development, life has returned to the street. However, the work did not stop there, and efforts continued to restore the former street frontages and rebuild the urban fabric.
The tenement house at 3/4 Szczygla Street proved to be a much greater challenge. Expert reports revealed the building was in a very poor state of repair, making it impossible to save the entire historic structure. However, the provincial conservator of monuments ordered the preservation of the historic façade facing the street. The original façade was therefore retained, renovated, and a new building was erected behind it. The project was completed in 2023. The building houses 21 flats, an underground car park, a lift and storage rooms. At the same time, a section of Szczygla Street was rebuilt, along with its underground infrastructure.
Work in Dolne Miasto is continuing apace. In July 2025, construction began at Szczygla 2, which will complete a new quarter between Wróblą, Szczygla, Kieturakisa and Reduta Wyskok streets. A total of 23 flats and an underground car park for 22 cars will be built there. The project is due to be completed in the second half of this year. TBS Motława is also preparing documentation for the next stage of the area’s regeneration. The works are set to cover the entire frontage, including the corner tenement house dating from 1894. The developer aims to restore the buildings to their former appearance and create new flats for rent under the TBS scheme. The company has plans for further renovations and construction projects, including work on the historic tenement houses on Kurza Street. As a result of these initiatives, Dolne Miasto is gradually regaining the atmosphere and charm it was known for before 1945.
source: tbsmotlawa.pl
See also: Architecture in Poland|Metamorphosis|Renovation|History|Gdańsk
