Construction of the Orris Residence apartment block in Warsaw is nearing completion. The development, situated on the corner of Okólnik and Ordynacka Streets, involves the reconstruction of the missing section of the Ordynacka Tenement. The elegant early 20th-century building lost its corner during the Second World War, remaining in this truncated form until 2024. It was then that construction of the new apartment block began. The scaffolding has now been removed, and the result evokes mixed feelings. The building has missed a great opportunity to reconstruct the missing section and regain its former form. Instead, the capital has gained a building that takes a very loose approach to the neighbouring architecture dating back over 100 years.
The Ordynacka Tenement in Warsaw
The surrounding area once belonged to the Krasiński family, and Okólnik Street itself was established in the late 19th century, alongside the expansion of Śródmieście and the designation of these areas for new developments. In 1912, the Ordynacka Tenement House, attributed to Henryk J. Gay, was erected here. The imposing building incorporated features drawn from Neoclassicism, and its grandeur, along with its exceptionally elegant façades and interiors, quickly established it as one of the most sought-after addresses in this part of Warsaw. The years 1939–1945 brought significant losses to the capital, which also affected Okólnik Street and the Ordynacka Mansion. The ongoing fighting and falling bombs led, amongst other things, to the destruction of the high roof, damage to the façade, the burning out of the interiors, and the collapse of the building’s southern corner.
The Ordynacka Tenement House – post-war reconstruction
After 1945, the tenement house bore no resemblance to its former self. Despite such extensive damage, it was decided to rebuild it, albeit in a greatly reduced form. The reconstruction of the original roof, balconies and many details on the façades was abandoned, and the bombed-out corner was not restored, leaving a gaping hole in its place. Around the turn of the millennium, the building underwent a partial reconstruction of its dilapidated façade, but a new chapter in its history began in 2011. At that time, the building was taken over by the Okólnik company, which began a multi-stage, comprehensive renovation. Since then, the interiors, courtyards, façades and entrances to the stairwells have been refurbished. The building has also regained its mansard roof, although the result differs from the historical original.
Orris Residence in Warsaw
In 2024, construction began on the Orris Residence apartment block, which stands on the site of the missing corner of the Ordynacka Tenement House. It is a six-storey building on a fairly intimate scale. Ultimately, it will house five apartments ranging from 160 to 240 square metres, including a two-level penthouse with a terrace. A two-storey underground car park, a recreational area and a meeting room have been built for residents’ use. The design was developed in accordance with the guidelines of the Capital City’s Conservator of Monuments, which is why the new building essentially continues the existing layout of the street and the frontage of Okólnik Street.
New development on Okólnik Street
The façade of the apartment block has been finished in limestone in muted shades of beige, whilst the courtyard is complemented by a small garden. The interiors feature marble and veneer, intended to evoke associations with classic elegance. Despite these efforts, it is impossible not to notice the significant differences between the old and new parts of the building. The historic façade has a complex surface and much richer detailing, whilst the new one is practically entirely flat. Differences are also evident in the colour scheme. Whilst the older part is elegantly white, the new section features the colours of the aforementioned limestone. The large windows of Orris Residence are more reminiscent of an office block than a residential building, which also creates a striking contrast with the timberwork of the tenement house. Even the roof, despite sharing the mansard form, differs in the shape of its dormers and stands out from the roofing of the old structure.
The Ordynacka Tenement and a missed opportunity
Although there was an opportunity to faithfully reconstruct the missing corner, the developer did not take it. As a result, a building has been created which formally closes the frontage of Okólnik Street, but does not recreate the lost fragment of pre-war Warsaw. Instead of a reconstruction, we have an interpretation, simplified to the maximum and distanced from history.
Source:Orris Residence,nowawarszawa.pl
See also:City|Architecture in Poland|History|Warsaw|Tenement house
