At 71/73 Kościuszki Street in Poznań, the renovation of a historic tenement house dating from the early 20th century is nearing completion. The project is being carried out by the Poznań-based company Reforma Nieruchomości, which specialises in the renovation of historic tenement houses and the sale of flats within these restored, historic buildings. As part of the work, the finest details have been restored and the interiors modernised, whilst preserving the building’s original character. The city centre can now boast yet another impressively renovated gem.
The tenement house at 71/73 Kościuszki Street in Poznań
The building was constructed between 1911 and 1912 on what was then Oberwallstraße, during a period of intensive urban development in Poznań, which was then under Prussian administration. This was a time of great change in thinking about rental architecture, when the traditional tenement house model gradually evolved under the influence of new design ideas and the changing needs of city dwellers. From the very beginning, the property served a residential function with commercial premises on the ground floor, and it has remained so to this day.
Architecture between Art Nouveau and Modernism
The style of the tenement house reflects a transitional phase in early 20th-century architecture, between Art Nouveau and early Modernism. Instead of soft, undulating ornamentation, a more disciplined composition of the façade was employed here. The distinct rhythm of the vertical window axes, the clear division of the storeys and the more restrained detailing bring to mind the architecture familiar from Berlin, particularly the works associated with Albert Gessner. All the building’s decorations correspond to the geometry of its form, creating an exceptionally coherent and elegant appearance.
Building standard and features
From the outset, the tenement house stood out for its high standard. Spacious flats were allocated across five floors for the wealthier residents of Poznań at the time, linked to the administration, trade or academic circles. The building’s location near universities and government offices, as well as prestigious urban developments, further enhanced the prestige of the address. The functional layout of the building met the requirements of the late Belle Époque, offering comfortable flats and access to amenities at street level.
Interiors and priceless, preserved details
Alongside its striking façades, the building boasted interiors no less elegant. The grand entrance halls and staircases, featuring paintings and stucco work, have survived to this day. During the refurbishment, they were restored and, in some places, reconstructed. In this way, they have regained their original colour scheme and all their details. The works also included the restoration of the door joinery, stained-glass windows and other elements, thanks to which the communal spaces once again exude the charm of a luxurious townhouse from over 100 years ago.
A historic lift – unique in the country
The heart of the tenement house at 71/73 Kościuszki Street is its magnificent lift. It was manufactured in 1912 by C. Herm. Findeisen Maschinenfabrik in Chemnitz, Germany. The lift is one of the oldest of its kind in Poznań and indeed in the whole of Poland. As part of a recent renovation, Reforma Nieruchomości carried out a meticulous modernisation of the mechanism, whilst naturally preserving the historic form of the cabin. The lift resumed operation in December 2025, once again transporting residents just as it did decades ago.
Scope of works at 71/73 Kościuszki Street
The renovation of the tenement house focused on the building’s structure and its surroundings. The dirty and dilapidated façade was covered with new plaster in warm colours, complemented by classic ceramic roof tiles. The green windows and doors are a rather surprising choice, yet they fully capture the spirit of a bygone era and introduce a touch of originality. The metal balcony railings are the same colour. During the renovation, the proportions of the window openings, the division of the storeys and the geometry of the roof with dormers were retained. The previously neglected and chaotic ground floor is now tidy, with new paving and improved clarity.
Investor – Reforma Nieruchomości
Reforma Nieruchomości specialises in the renovation of Poznań’s tenement houses. It undertakes projects using a model that covers the entire process, from selecting a property and analysing its potential, to collaborating with architects, conservationists and contractors. The result of these efforts is a building that retains its historical identity whilst being adapted to the needs of modern residents. The tenement house at 71/73 Kościuszki Street is once again functioning as a fully-fledged, beautiful feature of Poznań’s city centre. There are still a few flats available for sale to new owners.
Source: Reforma Nieruchomości
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The tenement house before and after renovation. Photo: Google Maps and Mateusz Markowski/whitemad.pl
