In the heart of Katowice, at 4 Gliwicka Street, a tenement house renovation project is underway that is a perfect example of combining tradition with modernity. The activities are aimed not only at renovating the historic building, but above all at improving its functionality and aesthetics so that it can serve the residents for decades to come.
The initiative is part of a broader context of urban activities aimed at revitalising the city centre and highlighting the unique character of Katowice’s historic buildings. The tenement house at 4 Gliwicka Street is a building with a rich history, whose architecture refers to past eras and testifies to the urban transformations of the city. Its façade, decorated with fine details, reflects the craftsmanship of the craftsmen of yesteryear. The preservation of the original elements and the restoration of the building’s façade made it possible to emphasise not only the aesthetic value but also the cultural value of the building as an integral part of the local heritage.
The tenement house, which is part of the municipal housing stock, is one of many buildings in Katowice that have made their mark in the city’s history. It was here that, among others, Wojciech Korfanty lived, who, together with his wife and children, occupied one of the flats in the front building. Over the years, the tenement house underwent successive expansions, including climbing upwards by adding another storey. Today, thanks to the work carried out here, the building, which was completed in 1876, once again impresses with its appearance. The modernisation, which cost almost PLN9.5 million, included restoring historical details, improving insulation and replacing woodwork, ” says Marcin Krupa, Mayor of Katowice
The comprehensive renovation of the historic tenement at 4 Gliwicka Street began in 2022 and was divided into two stages. The first stage was completed in 2023, when extensive thermo-modernisation was carried out – the building was carefully insulated, with the exception of the front elevation, which was subject to extensive renovation. In addition, external doors and some windows that did not meet current technical standards were replaced to reduce heat loss. Renovation work also included the roof, and a more environmentally friendly heating system was used to replace the existing heating installations and ceramic cookers. The new individual central heating and hot water installations are powered by gas boilers, which necessitated the reconstruction of the gas network.
The refurbishment also included the residential units, which were brought up to modern standards. As part of the work, new bathrooms were made and some flats were divided into smaller units. As a result, the tenement now has 19 flats, ranging from one-room to five-room units, with a predominance of three- and four-room units. Two of the flats are to be occupied by families returning to the refurbished building, while the remaining units will be incorporated into the administration’s housing stock – some of which will be allocated to people waiting for accommodation and the remainder made available to tenants through a rent auction. The total value of the works carried out in the first stage amounted to more than PLN 6.4 million.
The next stage of the renovation of the building started in May 2025. The most impressive element of this stage of the renovation is the decoration placed on the cornice crowning the front elevation of the building. The delicate floral motif, in muted shades of blue, evokes the Art Nouveau style, popular at the turn of the 20th century, which was dominated by floral motifs, harmony of lines, symmetry and subtle colours. This decoration continues the work of the first phase of the project, during which the façade was revitalised.
As part of the modernisation of the interiors of the residential units, machine-made cement-lime plaster was applied to the walls, new partition walls were installed, as well as cladding for the flue pipes, water and sewer risers. The work also included the installation of suspended plasterboard ceilings. Similar work was carried out in the basement and attic, where modern light fittings were installed and a complete electrical installation was carried out. To increase the energy efficiency of the building, the lighting was replaced with LED solutions, especially in the common areas.
The second phase of the renovation of the building at 4 Gliwicka Street focused on the modernisation of the exterior and entrance elements. As part of the work, the entrance gate in the courtyard was replaced, the stairs leading to the staircase and the residential units were rebuilt, as well as the stairs in the basement of the front building and the annexe. In addition, the contractor installed a collective TV-SAT installation, as well as a bell and intercom system. The total cost of this stage of the renovation was approximately PLN 3 million.
The thorough modernisation of the tenement also had a positive impact on its surroundings. In the courtyard, an aesthetically designed flower bed with plantings was created, a new fence was installed, and the condition of the pavements was improved, which significantly increases the comfort of the space.
The total cost of the comprehensive energy modernisation of the building located at 4 Gliwicka Street was approximately PLN 9.5 million, with Katowice obtaining a subsidy for this purpose from the Cohesion Fund under the Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment 2014-2020 in the amount of approximately PLN 1.4 million.
photos: Kamil Kalkowski
source: Katowice City Hall
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