The Old Town in Częstochowa, which has been neglected in material and social terms for years, has finally seen projects that can change its face. Particularly important in these plans is the reconstruction of historical tenement houses in the place where the modernist Dom Handlowy Puchatek stands today, and the revitalisation of Garncarska Street. The project for a partial metamorphosis of a degraded area of Częstochowa’s old town was prepared by Piotr Skorupa, a graduate of the Faculty of Interior Design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw and an interior architect.
The Old Town in Częstochowa used to be a vibrant centre, but over time and through various historical events, it has been significantly damaged. Before the Second World War, in the place of the current Puchatek Department Store, there were compact buildings both on the side of the Old Market Square and Warsaw Street, separated by the narrow Goose Street. The tenement houses, located in the heart of the former ghetto, were demolished by order of the occupant, while the city authorities, by widening the roadway of Mirowska Street, perpetuated a large gap in the buildings.
The Old Market Square in the 1920s, the demolished frontage visible. Photo: Mariusz Brzeziński/photopolska.eu
The current Dom Handlowy Puchatek, built in 1975 to a design by architect M. Kruszyński, stands in place of this once compact building. This building, although characteristic of the communist period, evokes mixed feelings among Częstochowa’s residents. Many feel that the building’s haphazard location and form do not fit in with the historic character of the Old Town, which neighbours the oldest parish church in the city, St Sigismund’s, dating from the 14th century.
The Old Market Square in Częstochowa today and on visualisation. Photo: Piotr Skorupa
Over the years, there have been various proposals for the modernisation of Dom Handlowy Puchatek, but there has been a lack of a definite vision for the restoration of the former buildings at the site. Piotr Skorupa decided to develop a project to rebuild the tenements based on pre-war plans and photographs of this part of the city. In his opinion, the key to local Jurassic architecture and its restoration is the use of traditional finishing materials such as lime stone, red brick, wood, clay and lime plaster – all in the right proportions.
The Old Market Square in Częstochowa today and on visualisation. Photo: Piotr Skorupa
“At present, the Old Town in Częstochowa is regarded as one of the most neglected historical districts in Poland, more and more tenement houses are falling into disrepair and their place is being replaced by architectural nightmares, in no way referring to the location, which is important for the history of the city” – writes Piotr Skorupa. His vision is to reconstruct the western frontage of the Old Market and the eastern frontage of Warszawska Street, which would make it possible to restore the historic urban layout of the area. The reconstruction of the tenements would not only contribute to the Old Town regaining its former character, but could also become an impulse for further revitalisation of this part of Częstochowa.
At the same time as the project to rebuild the tenements, Piotr Skorupa also proposed revitalising Garncarska Street. Although the buildings on this street still exist, there is a lack of comprehensive measures to renew them. The vision presented for the renovation and reconstruction of the townhouses was inspired by the preserved architectural details and the characteristic type of development. The project could become a model for further revitalisation activities in the Old Town.
Garncarska Street before and after the metamorphosis. Photo: Google Maps and Piotr Skorupa
The project to revitalise Garncarska Street emphasises the need to renew not only the buildings themselves, but also the urban infrastructure and public spaces. The recovery of the Old Town by its inhabitants, the restoration of its life and social and aesthetic functions, are the main goals that the architect believes the authorities of Częstochowa should pursue.
Garncarska Street before and after the metamorphosis. Photo: Google Maps and Piotr Skorupa
The realisation of these visions could not only improve the aesthetics of this part of the city, but also contribute to its social and economic revival. It is also a chance to restore some of Częstochowa’s historical heritage, while creating an attractive urban space that will attract both residents and tourists.
This project, if implemented, could become a model for other Polish cities facing problems of degradation of historic centres. The authorities of Częstochowa and its residents now have the opportunity to work together towards this ambitious goal, which could bring long-term benefits to the entire urban community.
Source: Piotr Skorupa / https://scopeinterior.pl/
Read also: Architecture in Poland | Metamorphosis | Urban planning | City | Curiosities
