Not so long ago, the future of the modernist townhouse standing at 73 Grzybowska Street in Warsaw remained uncertain. The building had remained abandoned for a long time, falling into increasing disrepair. Lack of renovation and progressive degradation led to a situation where, when rescue came, it became necessary to remove the interiors almost completely. Despite such extensive interference with the historic substance of the building, the decision was taken to rebuild it. Renovation has begun, which will result in an intimate apartment building where the architecture of the 1930s is combined with the demands of modern construction.
73 Grzybowska Street – the history of the building
The tenement house at 73 Grzybowska Street was erected between 1935 and 1937 for the Hurewicz and S-ka company, which ran a graphic design shop at the site. The project was created by Szymon Syrkus, one of the leading architects of the Polish interwar avant-garde, known, among other things, for his villas in Saska Kępa and housing estates in Łódź and Warsaw. Syrkus was a co-founder of the Blok and Praesens groups and an active participant in the international modernist movement CIAM. The tenement at Grzybowska Street was built at a time of intensive development of modernist architecture in the capital and was characterised by its purist form and high standard of finish. The flats there were equipped with central heating and servants, the building had a lift, and the façade used materials and solutions typical of the era. The facade of the building was based on functionalist principles. The dark clinker on the ground floor contrasted with the light plaster of the upper storeys, and the strip windows and narrow opening to the staircase emphasised the modern character of the building. The building was used as a residential building for decades and survived the Second World War, but has fallen into disrepair in recent years. Neglected and unused, it gradually deteriorated. After it was re-privatised, the property went to the Ghelamco company.
Redevelopment of a modernist monument
Currently, the tenement is in the shadow of The Bridge skyscraper under construction. Due to the very poor technical condition of the building’s interiors, the decision was made to remove them completely. From the original construction, the staircase and external walls were preserved and secured with steel scaffolding. The building is listed in the municipal register of historical monuments, but its interiors were not under formal conservation protection and could therefore be demolished without permits. The façade, however, will be renovated while retaining the original layout and materials. The renovation project involves restoring the original aesthetic expression of the building while introducing contemporary functions and technical solutions.
73 Grzybowska Street – new function and renovation
According to the investor’s plans, the tenement at Grzybowska 73 will be completely renovated and turned into an intimate apartment building called The Suite. The project is prepared by the Polish-Belgian Architecture Studio PROJEKT, which is also responsible for the neighbouring investment The Bridge. The facade of the modernist gem will be reconstructed based on the recommendations of the provincial conservationist. The ground floor will feature dark terracotta cladding, while above it a plaster with river sand will be applied. The characteristic wooden window frames will also be restored. The interiors have been redesigned, taking into account the needs of modern users. There will be underground parking, storerooms, a modern lobby and a service unit accessible from the street and the European Square. The design concept for the common areas is the responsibility of the Colombe studio of architect Marta Chrapka, who specialises in creating interiors taking into account the historical context. This will include stylised steel doors, a reconstructed balustrade and stone elements inspired by Warsaw functionalism.
The tenement’s future in its new surroundings
The five-storey building will house just 14 flats, ranging in size from 54 to 72 square metres. Each flat has been designed with functionality and the possibility of individual arrangement in mind. Some units will be equipped with dressing rooms and additional toilets. The entire development will be complemented by an underground garage hall. Completion of the works is planned for the turn of the first and second quarter of next year. This date coincides with the opening of The Bridge skyscraper and the planned redevelopment of Grzybowska Street. The modernisation of this part of the city will include wider pavements, new bicycle lanes, greenery and public space in the area of the European Square. The Belgian studio Wirtz International, known for its urban parks and gardens in major European cities, is responsible for the project.
Source: Ghelamco, miastarytm.pl, Stone and what? We save Warsaw’s monuments
Also read: tenement | Warsaw | Architecture in Poland | Modernism | whiteMAD on Instagram
73 Grzybowska Street in the past and during reconstruction. Photo credit: mamik/photopolska.eu, License: CC BY-SA 4.0 and whiteMAD/Mateusz Markowski
