Warsaw, a city of contrasts and constant development, is preparing for changes that could completely transform its landscape. Three skyscrapers that for years have been symbols of modernity and success in the 1990s are about to make way for new projects. Ilmet, PZU Tower and PEKAO Tower – these names have become firmly established in the history of the modern capital, but now their existence is coming to an end. The buildings are outdated and no longer meet modern standards. Warsaw’s skyline may become unrecognisable in just a few years.
Ilmet – time for a new chapter
At the UN roundabout stands Ilmet, one of Warsaw’s most recognisable buildings of the late 20th century. Completed in 1997, the 83-metre-high skyscraper designed by architects Miljenko Dumenčić and Mirosław Kartowicz dominated the neighbourhood for years, but today it is only a shadow of its former glory. The memorable Mercedes logo that rotated on its top has already been removed, and the building itself is preparing to bid farewell to the city skyline.
Ilmet in 2008. Photo by Cezary p, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The new owner of the plot, Skanska, has something much more impressive planned. The Warsaw One project – a tower almost 200 metres high – is to become a symbol of modern Warsaw. With modern architecture, more than 60,000 square metres of office space and ecological technological solutions, Warsaw One will set new standards for the city.
PZU Tower – higher ambitions
On Grzybowska Street stands the PZU Tower, a skyscraper that has witnessed the intense development of Warsaw since 1998. Although originally intended as a hotel, it quickly became a symbol of the Polish insurance market. Today, however, after years of splendour, the building created by the team of architects Tadeusz Spychała, Wojciech Popławski and Willibald Furst stands empty and awaits a decision on its future.
PZU is in talks with the city authorities, wanting to erect a new, taller building at the site – perhaps reaching as high as 150 metres. The city, however, has other plans for the time being and suggests a height of 130 metres. Will a compromise be reached? A decision is expected later this year.
PEKAO Tower – the end of an era
The fate of the PEKAO Tower also hangs in the balance. The skyscraper, designed by Miljenko Dumenčić, which has served as an office building since the 1990s, has been put up for sale. The new owner, who is expected to be announced at the end of 2025, will probably decide to demolish the building and erect a new structure, more suited to modern needs. Initial plans suggest a 95-metre-high building will be constructed, but details remain a mystery for now.
The changes under way are not only a farewell to the non-functional architecture of the past, but also herald a new era for the capital. Warsaw’s skyline will be enriched by new high-rise buildings, and the city, which is not afraid to look to the future, is once again proving that it is constantly changing.
Source: nowawarszawa.pl
Read also: Warsaw | Curiosities | Skyscraper | Urbanism | City | whiteMAD on Instagram
