Poznan’s Hotel Ikar, one of the more recognisable buildings constructed in the city during the communist era, has been undergoing total modernisation for some time. The advanced work is to completely transform its rather uninteresting appearance and significantly raise its standard. Once completed, the building will meet the requirements for four stars and will operate under the Four Points by Sheraton brand belonging to the Marriott chain.
Redevelopment of the Ikar hotel for PLN 90 million
The redevelopment, valued at almost PLN 90 million, began in December 2022 and includes not only the building itself, but also the road system and the immediate surroundings of the facility. The Emkaa Architekci studio is responsible for the design of the new exterior and interiors, giving the building a new form inspired by modernism. The former austere architecture of the military dormitories from the 1980s will give way to a more refined and presentable building.
Contractors and pace of work
Aldesa Nowa Energia was initially the general contractor for the redevelopment, but earlier this year the investor terminated its contract with the company. The new contractor was Chemobudowa Kraków, which has already completed the modernisation of the twin Wieniawa Hotel in Wrocław (we wrote about it HERE). That facility opened in April 2025, and in the case of the Icarus in Poznań, work is scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of next year.
Modern interiors and guest space
The modernised hotel will offer guests 156 rooms, conference space, a restaurant and a drinks bar. Its interiors will be designed in the modern vintage style, combining modern forms with retro elements alluding to the aesthetics of the 1950s and 1960s. The building’s surroundings will also change, with new paving and natural greenery barriers to improve acoustic comfort and isolate the terrace from city traffic.
Ikar – from officers’ hotel to Marriott chain
Icarus’ history dates back to the early 1980s, when it opened as an officers’ hotel. Initially, it was used exclusively by the military, and only from the 1990s did civilians begin to use it. Since 2005, the facility has been in the hands of the company Grupa Hoteli WAM, today operating as Polski Holding Hotelowy. The hotel has been partially modernised in the past, but has never undergone such a comprehensive redevelopment.
Key project for PHH
The ongoing investment in Poznań is one of the key projects for PHH in the Wielkopolska region. Its implementation is expected to strengthen the holding’s position on the market and open a new chapter in the history of the Ikara, which for decades has been associated with the simple architecture of a bygone era and a not very high standard.
Source: Chemobudowa Kraków S.A.
Design: Emkaa Architekci
Read also: Metamorphosis | Renovation | Modernism | Poznań | whiteMAD on Instagram
Hotel Ikar before redevelopment and on visualisation. Photo: Google Maps and press mat.
