The building at 2 Fabryczna Street in Ciechanów, erected at the beginning of the 20th century, is an extraordinary example of historic architecture that has gained new life thanks to comprehensive renovation. As a result of the works completed in 2024, the more than 100-year-old monument has regained its former glory, becoming not only a landmark of the city, but also a functional building serving residents and visitors.
The history of the building at 2 Fabryczna Street is inextricably linked with the industrial and social development of Ciechanów. It was built in the years 1905-1907 on the initiative of the “Łydynia” Food Cooperative, founded by officials and workers of the Ciechanów Sugar Factory. The plot of land on which the building was erected was donated by Józef Gutkowski, owner of the nearby Śmiecin manor. The design of the building, which was an example of early cooperative construction, was made free of charge by the architect Aleksander Raniecki, who was professionally connected with the sugar factory.
Firefighters from the Ciechanów TSO in front of the ‘Łydynia’ building, early 20th century.
From its opening in 1907, attended by Stanisław Wojciechowski himself, later President of the Republic of Poland, the building served commercial and socio-cultural functions. The ground floor housed a grocery shop, while the first floor had a hall with a stage that could accommodate up to 300 people. It was a space used for a variety of social, cultural and educational events, including lectures, balls and meetings. The Lydynia Co-operative building went through numerous difficulties during the First World War, when many of its resources and equipment were destroyed. After the war, the building continued to play an important role in the local community, becoming a place to supply the people of Ciechanow with necessities. The inter-war period was a time when ‘Łydynia’ developed its activities, becoming not only a centre of trade, but also a place for social and cultural gatherings.
The next difficult years came with World War II, which brought the cooperative’s activities to a standstill. After the war, the building was used by various institutions, including schools and community organisations, but fell into increasing disrepair over time. In the 1960s it underwent extensive modernisation, but after the political transformation in Poland, the building gradually lost its importance until it was taken out of use. The decision to comprehensively renovate the building at 2 Fabryczna Street was made in 2020, when the Ciechanów city authorities decided to restore this historic building to its former glory. As part of the project “Revitalisation of the historic building at 2 Fabryczna Street in Ciechanów”, co-financed by the Mazovian Voivodeship, construction work began in 2022 and was completed two years later.
The building before and after renovation. Photo: Ciechanów City Hall and the Mazovian Voivodeship Conservator of Monuments
The renovation included comprehensive renovation and construction works, including the reconstruction of the structure, replacement of ceilings, roof, installations and window and door woodwork. Plaster was also stripped from the façade, restoring the building’s brick facade to its original architectural form from the early 20th century. Stylish shutters were also hung on the windows and the inscription “BUILDING FOR STOW “LYDYNIA”” returned. One of the most important results of the renovation was the opening of the “Lydynia” Milk Bar on the ground floor of the building, which took place on 20 July 2024. The bar, run by the Municipal Sports and Recreation Centre, offers traditional Polish cuisine.
“We can be proud of another beautiful place in Ciechanów. This renovated building is not only a witness to the past, but also a symbol of our determination to preserve the cultural heritage of the city. The neglected monument has regained its former glory. Now it will serve the next generations of Ciechanów residents,” emphasised the mayor of Ciechanów, Krzysztof Kosiński, during the opening of the bar.
The renovation of the building at 2 Fabryczna Street is not limited to the ground floor only. In the future, the first floor will be dedicated to non-governmental organisations. An open work space (so-called open space) is planned there, with a separate area for meetings, ancillary rooms and sanitary facilities. To ensure accessibility for people with disabilities, a lift has been installed in the building.
The building at 2 Fabryczna Street, entered in the Municipal Register of Historic Monuments of the City of Ciechanów and the Register of Real Estate Monuments of the Mazovian Voivodeship, is an extremely valuable element of the city’s cultural heritage. Its renovation is not only an example of care for tangible monuments, but also for the intangible heritage, which is the history and tradition associated with this place. The total cost of the renovation of the building amounted to almost PLN 5.5 million, of which PLN 2.26 million was obtained by the city from the budget of the Mazovian Voivodeship as part of the Instrument for Supporting Tasks Important for the Uniform Development of the Voivodeship.
Source: Ciechanów City Hall
Read also: Architecture in Poland | Metamorphosis | Renovation | Monument | History
