The Tram Driver’s House in Poznań has been restored to its former glory. ZKZL has completed the modernisation of this historic building in Jeżyce, refurbishing its façades and grand interiors. The Amaranth Room has undergone a particularly striking transformation, and visitors can once again enjoy the use of its internal balcony.
The Tram Driver’s House was built for employees and their families
For almost a century, life has revolved around Poznań’s tram drivers and the residents of Jeżyce at 19/21 Słowackiego Street. The building was erected between 1925 and 1927 to a design by Adam Ballenstaedt for the employees of the Poznań Electric Railway. Alongside the flats, a library, a nursery and rooms for study and meetings were set up. From 1955, the MPK brass band rehearsed here. Many Poznań residents also remember the Amarant cinema, which operated on the premises.
The historic building catches the eye once more
Its Neo-Baroque architecture makes it hard to pass by this building without taking notice. The red-tiled roofs, ornate portals and windows, dormers and small balconies serve as a reminder of interwar Poznań’s ambitions. On the restored façades, a delicate shade of pink harmonises with lighter elements. The central part of the building housed cultural spaces, whilst the side sections served the residents. This division is a key feature of the entire complex.
The Tram Driver’s House was in need of renovation
Before the modernisation, the problems with the Tram Driver’s House mainly concerned its appearance and technical condition. The roof required repair, the roof truss needed reinforcing, and the walls needed protection against damp. The initial works cost around 2 million zlotys, whilst the design for the next phase was carried out by the Eneprojekt studio. The modernisation took place in stages from 2022 onwards. The entire project cost 10 million zlotys, and ZKZL announced its completion on 22 September 2026. The funds came from the city budget, grants from the Jeżyce Neighbourhood Council and the TERMO programme run by Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego.
The renovated Amarant Hall
The Amarant Hall underwent the most significant changes in terms of the building’s interior. The auditorium was extended to include an adjacent room, the paintwork and stucco were restored, the parquet flooring was replaced, and curtains were fitted. Furthermore, the audience regained access to the internal balcony. Air conditioning has also been installed, along with new equipment for stage and lighting operations. The foyer and stairwells have been refurbished, the historic windows in the service areas have been restored, and the building services – including the electrical, heating and fire safety systems – have been replaced. The works were carried out under the supervision of the Municipal Conservator of Monuments.
The Tram Driver’s House remains a meeting place
Behind its renovated walls, the community centre continues to operate, run by the Pan Gar Foundation since 2021. Concerts, performances, workshops and neighbourhood initiatives attract successive generations of residents, and the Pan Gar café-club operates on the premises. In 2027, the building will celebrate its centenary. To mark the occasion, Szymon Kubiak and Michał Jasiński are preparing a book on its history and architecture. The restored building will thus enter its next century with a publication commemorating the people who, over many years, shaped this extraordinary place.
Source:ZKZL in Poznań
See also:Architecture in Poland|Poznań|Tenement house|Renovation|Interesting facts|whiteMAD on Instagram
