The Municipal Housing Authority in Poznań (ZKZL) is continuing its renovation of the city’s tenement blocks. This time, the work has focused on two historic buildings at 2 and 2A Fabryczna Street in the Wilda district. Thanks to a comprehensive refurbishment, these historic buildings have regained their former appearance, whilst their interiors are now of a much higher standard and have become home to new tenants.
Tenement blocks on Fabryczna Street dating from the days of old Wilda
The tenement house at Fabryczna 2 was built in 1890, when Wilda was still a village on the outskirts of Poznań. In 1905, a neighbouring tenement house to number 2 was erected and given the address Fabryczna 2A. Both buildings are situated within an urban and architectural complex protected by the conservation authority and listed in the register of historic monuments. The renovation work took nearly 18 months in total, and the cost exceeded 4.5 million zlotys. The city is now applying for funding from Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego. Thanks to the work carried out, residents and passers-by can once again admire the former charm of both buildings.
Brick façade and Art Nouveau interiors
The newer of the two tenement blocks – the more striking one – required particular attention. Its brick front façade, entrance area and the preserved painted decoration in the vestibule were restored. The stucco work, the wooden elements of the staircase, the apartment doors and the floor mosaic were all restored. The Art Nouveau wall panelling was also recreated. At Fabryczna 2, structural work was necessary as the building is now well over 130 years old. As part of the works, worn-out ceilings were partially replaced, the corridor was refurbished, and new window and door frames were fitted in the flats.
Roofs, services and the courtyard on Fabryczna Street
The technical scope of the works included protecting the basements against damp, renovating the roofs and their structures, repairing the chimneys, and replacing the flashings, gutters and downpipes. The electrical and telecommunications systems were also modernised. Fabryczna 2A had previously been connected to the district heating network and fitted with central heating. The works also covered the shared courtyard for both tenement blocks. A utility building and commercial premises there were refurbished, and space was set aside for bicycles and a waste sorting area. The cellars were also renovated, new paving was laid and new plants were planted. An external lift has been installed on the courtyard side of building 2A.
Attic converted into flats
A significant change has taken place in the previously unused attic of the tenement at Fabryczna 2A. Two three-room flats have been created there. Meanwhile, in the neighbouring building, a vacant property has been brought back into use, and a former small commercial unit has been converted into an additional flat. Following the renovation, the two historic tenement blocks now comprise a total of 26 residential flats and one commercial unit. The historic bricks, wood, mosaics, stucco and Art Nouveau decoration look as good as new once again, whilst the technical conditions and standard of living in the buildings have improved significantly.
Source:Municipal Housing Resources Management Board in Poznań
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