The tenement outbuilding at 7 Grochowe Łąki Street in Poznań is a property that combines more than a century of history with modern solutions. The building, erected in 1907 by the entrepreneur Franz Kantorowicz, has undergone extensive renovation, which has restored it to its former glory while bringing it up to modern residential standards.
The tenement was built as part of a complex of buildings on Grochowe Łąki Street, designed by the renowned architect Martin Sonnabend. It was thanks to him that the building used innovative reinforced concrete technology, making it a pioneering project in Poznan at the time. Sonnabend also took care of the unique design, using distinctive clinker bricks, known from the buildings of the neighbouring Old Slaughterhouse. Attention to detail, such as high windows and a spacious staircase, gave the building a prestigious character.
The building before the war. Photo: Home Empire S.C.
The building was severely damaged in the winter of 1945 during the fierce fighting for Poznań, known as Festung Posen. After the war, the front building was demolished, while the outbuilding was vaguely rebuilt and repurposed as flats. Over the years, the surviving part of the building fell into disrepair, with the result that it was taken out of use, which only further worsened the building’s condition.
The outbuilding before and after renovation. Photo: Tomasz Hejna LAGOMphoto
Over the following decades, new buildings sprouted up around the outbuilding and its fate seemed to be sealed. However, a few years ago there was an investor, Home Empire S.C., who decided to resurrect the derelict and ruined building. The work included restoring the building’s former form, which had been modified during post-war renovations. A renewed clinker brick façade, stylised windows and an ashlar-lined staircase are just some of the elements that have appeared in the annexe as part of the work carried out.
In addition, the building’s balcony slabs were restored with new balustrades, roofing work was carried out, and the cellars were renovated and adapted. The original brickwork was uncovered and highlighted, and granite floors give the whole building a luxurious feel. Every aspect of the renovation was aimed at preserving the building’s unique character while meeting modern technical and functional standards. The building created one- and two-bedroom units ranging from 25 to 39sq m in size with a height of 2.9 m, with special thermal and acoustic insulation to ensure the comfort of the new residents.
The tenement house in Grochowe Łąki is a place where history meets modernity. The building, which has undergone comprehensive renovation, offers comfortable flats to a high standard, while retaining its original architectural character from the early 20th century.
General contractor: Lidenskap
Investor: Home Empire S.C.
Exterior and staircase photos: Tomasz Hejna LAGOMphoto
Photos of the interior of the premises: promotional materials of the investor
See also: Architecture in Poland | Elevation | Tenement | Metamorphosis | Poznań | whiteMAD on Instagram
