In Otwock, near Warsaw, a thorough renovation of the historic Bojar Manor, a historically valuable site on the map of Mazovia, has begun. The building was formerly the seat of one of the first centres in Poland to promote a healthy diet, and had been falling into disrepair for several decades. Now, thanks to the commitment of Władysław Grochowski, President of the Arche Group, it has a chance to regain its former glory. The project to renovate the property will include not only the historic Bojar Manor, but also the construction of a modern housing estate and premises for senior citizens.
Monuments in Poland on the verge of degradation
In Poland, there are nearly 80,000 properties in the register of monuments, many of which are deteriorating due to complicated regulations and bureaucratic barriers. Władysław Grochowski has been involved in protecting national heritage for years, calling for legislative changes. His recent initiative, which is a draft law on rescuing monuments, is intended as a starting point for a broad debate on the future of historic buildings in Poland. Meanwhile, the president of the Arche Group has taken it upon himself to save another degraded building – the 19th-century Bojar Manor in Otwock.
Photo: Arche Group
Bojar Manor – history and future
Bojar Manor was established in 1883 as part of the Anielin manor, owned by Konstantin Moës Oskragiełło, a doctor and advocate of natural healing methods. His centre treated ailments of the nervous system and rheumatism, among others. After World War II, the building housed an arts and crafts school, which operated until 1990. Over the past decades, the building gradually fell into disrepair and was partially destroyed by fire in 2014. Now, the Arche Group intends to restore it to its former character by implementing the ‘Arche Generations’ project, which envisages the creation of a multifunctional housing estate to foster intergenerational integration. In addition to flats and housing for seniors, the over two-hectare complex will feature green terraces, recreational spaces and social activation areas. The historic part of the former manor house will also be renovated, preserving its unique architecture.
Arche Group means new life for monuments
The Arche Group is Poland’s largest hotel-development chain with family capital, which has numerous successful realisations to its credit, including the Żnin Sugar Factory, the Uphagen Manor in Gdańsk and the castle in Janów Podlaski. Thanks to his involvement in projects of great historical and social significance, Wladyslaw Grochowski has received prestigious awards such as the Nansen Prize awarded by the United Nations and India’s Mother Teresa of Calcutta Prize. The renovation of Bojar Manor is another step on the way to protecting Polish heritage and creating a modern space with respect for history.
Source: Arche Group
Read also: Architecture in Poland | Elevation | Metamorphosis | History | Villas and residences | Interesting facts
