The renovation of two historic tenement houses that have stood at Gwarna 6 and 8 for more than a century is coming to an end in Poznań. Work on the ground floor of the façade is in its final stage, but the excellent effect is already drawing the attention of passers-by. The historic buildings look almost exactly as they did in their heyday, and Gwarna Street is changing before our eyes. Previously neglected and very gloomy, it now shines with the brilliance of successive renovated facades.
Gwarna Street as an example of good change
Just a few years ago, Gwarna Street was regarded as one of the most neglected streets in the centre of Poznań. Its dilapidated facades, devastated shop windows and chaotic advertisements effectively robbed it of its former charm. The situation began to change with the launch of municipal activities as part of the so-called Centre Project, including Święty Marcin, Kantaka and Ratajczaka streets. These were overshadowed by private initiatives that began to restore Gwarna’s glamour. One of these is the renovation of tenement houses numbered 6 and 8.
Gwarna 6 and 8 – scope of renovation works
The investment at number 6 is carried out by Przyjazny Adres company according to the design of Richter Komorowicz studio, and the work at number 8 is the responsibility of ST Home, implementing a project prepared by Renowacja Zabytków Adam Kaszuba company. The scope of works included the cleaning and repairing of plaster, removal of old advertisements, grilles and wires, but above all the ugly roof, which for many years had effectively taken away the beauty of both tenements. The work also focused on filling in defects and reconstructing damaged details. The window frames were also restored and the original colours of the facades were recreated. In addition to the front and courtyard facades, the finishing of the south wall on the side of the Sphinx premises was also planned, to be completed by the end of 2025. During the works, it was not decided to rebuild the balconies, which had disappeared many years ago. Work was carried out in parallel inside the buildings. The window and door woodwork in them was replaced, following the original designs. The staircases were also renovated and the electrical, plumbing and intercom systems were replaced. The buildings were also equipped with modern gas-fired boiler rooms and a fibre-optic cable.
New life for historic tenement houses in Poznań
The investment is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025. The flats, ranging in size from 28 to 60 sq m, will go on sale later this year in a state to be renovated. Due to their good location and investment potential, some of them may be intended for short-term and long-term rental. The renovated facades are already significantly improving the image of Gwarna Street. With the earlier restoration of the modernist House of Books, the implementation of the city’s Centre Project and the involvement of the owners of the tenements, the street is slowly regaining the character of an aesthetically pleasing part of Poznań.
Gwarna 6 and 8 – characteristics
The tenements at Gwarna Street were built in the second half of the 19th century to a design by the German architect Gustav Schultz. The buildings are distinguished by their rich decoration inspired by the Italian Renaissance and Mannerism. The facades feature acanthus leaves, the head of Medusa and animal motifs, including winged lions and swans. Between 1919 and 1921, the building at number 8 housed the headquarters of the Board of Directors of the Cegielski Works. The buildings survived the war without major damage, which cannot be said of those standing on the west side of the street. In the 1960s, the authorities of Poznań began a project to modernise and widen Święty Marcin Street. To this end, the neighbours of the Gwarna 6 tenement house were demolished.
History of Gwarna Street in Poznań
The history of Gwarna dates back to the 19th century, when it was part of Młyńska Street. In the following decades it changed its name many times, being called, among others, Górna Młyńska, Wiktoria, Bronisława Pierackiego or Alfred Lampe. It did not receive its present name until after 1989, due to the din of the area. Today, when renovation works on tenement houses are coming to an end and the revitalisation of the street brings visible effects, Gwarna is finally regaining a positive image. Renovated buildings, increasingly clean façades and an orderly public space are restoring its status from years ago as an elegant corner of the city.
Source: gloswielkopolski.pl, facebook/Mariusz Wiśniewski
See also: Architecture | Facade | Tenement | Metamorphosis | Poznań | whiteMAD on Instagram
Gwarna 6 and 8 before and at the end of the renovation. Photo: Google Maps and Mateusz Markowski/WhiteMAD
