In recent years, Łódź has been consistently restoring the lustre of its historic townhouses and post-industrial buildings. Renovations are carried out not only in the very centre, but also in less obvious locations. Thanks to them, forgotten walls gain new functions: from flats, through office spaces, to public institutions. One of the most recent examples of successful renovation is the auxiliary headquarters of the Chamber of Tax Administration at 88 Żeromskiego St. This complex, which is more than 130 years old, has undergone extensive redevelopment, the effects of which are impressing not only architecture lovers.
88 Żeromskiego Street – history inscribed in the walls
The front building on Żeromskiego Street, dating from 1891, has served various functions over the decades. In tsarist times it housed the artillery, then the cavalry. In the interwar period, the State Police reserves operated here, and for many years after the war it was one of the facilities used by the Lodz traffic police and later the police. It was only recently that the neglected property came under the management of the National Revenue Administration.
A modern office in a historic setting
Although the design for the adaptation of the building had already been drawn up in 2018 (authors: Boom Architekci from Łódź), work did not start until 2022 and lasted until December 2024. In 2025, around 140 employees from several previously dispersed branches moved into the new location. The entire investment cost PLN 29 million, but the scope of work was impressive. In addition to the meticulous maintenance of the front building, it also included a comprehensive reconstruction of the other buildings on the property. The roofs were renovated, the woodwork replaced and new installations made. The entire courtyard was redesigned with a car park, low and high greenery and a small leisure area. The buildings were also connected by a link and an annex was added.
Architecture with respect for the past
The most eye-catching feature is of course the restored front building, which has regained its former class. The foundations had to be reinforced and the entire structure stabilised. The historic gate passage was transformed into a glazed entrance hall with reception area, while the architectural details of the façade were restored or renovated with great care. A balcony, which disappeared many years ago, was also added and a lift was installed. The south façade has been given a modern look, clearly contrasting with the historic front. This is a deliberate measure, emphasising the layered history of the site.
88 Żeromskiego Street in a new edition
Technical highlights include a rainwater retention system, extensive fire protection infrastructure and a modern access control system. Photovoltaic panels have been installed on the wall of the northern fence, right next to the preserved historic horse drinkers, which have survived all the redevelopments to date.
The tenement house at 88 Żeromskiego Street before and after renovation. Photo: Google Maps and lodz.pl
