Preparations for the redevelopment of the historic grain elevator, which stands at the junction of Zakładowa and Rychtalska streets, are starting in Wrocław. RealCo Property Investment and Development announces the realisation of the investment “Elewator. Flats and Lofts’, which will transform this part of Kleczków into a new residential space. The redeveloped building and two new buildings will provide flats and lofts, as well as ground floor services. Completion is scheduled for the first quarter of 2028. The historic elevator nearly disappeared from Wrocław’s landscape.
Historic elevator, new buildings and estate layout
The project envisages the construction of 372 units of varying sizes. One-room flats, two-room flats and larger layouts for families are planned. The ground floor area will be occupied by service points with catering facilities. The estate will also include internal roads and above- and underground parking spaces. This will be complemented by bicycle infrastructure, equipment storage boxes and recreational spaces, including a playground and dog run.
History of the grain elevator in Kleczków
The grain elevator was built between 1938 and 1939 on the site of a former lime factory. It was designed by Breslau architects Arthur Pötzsch and Erich Liehr, and a specialised company from Munich was responsible for its construction. The building was erected for one of Germany’s largest grain companies. During the war, the massive structure served as an air raid shelter and, according to one account, was also used as an ammunition depot. After the war, the building was used as a grain warehouse until the end of the 1990s. At the beginning of the 21st century, the first ideas and concepts for adapting the elevator for new functions emerged. Despite the efforts of the investors, the building had been falling into increasing disrepair for many years. Windows, fittings and extensions were removed. A fire was also reported. The barbaric attempt at demolition in 2017 was much publicised. Fortunately, the work was stopped in time and the building was eventually entered in the register of historic buildings.
The historic elevator and the planned works
The elevator takes the form of a massive body with a rhythm of lisens and an eight-storey tower with a flat roof. The interior of the building consists of rows of concrete silos and a spacious attic space available for adaptation. The front of the tower is distinguished by a bas-relief with a mill motif and a symbol of river transport. The RealCo project includes the reconstruction of key elements of the building. The coat of arms on the façade and structural parts such as the ceilings and cupolas will be restored. The work will be carried out in accordance with the decision of and under the supervision of the Lower Silesian Provincial Conservator of Monuments.
“Elevator. Flats and Lofts.”
“This is one of the most recognisable buildings in this part of the city, an element of the local landscape and the history of Wrocław. We want to renovate this space and hand it over to the residents. Our investment will combine the urban character of the Downtown district with the comfortable living space of the riverside boulevards. This will be our next Wrocław adaptation of industrial buildings for residential purposes after Młyn Maria,“ says Piotr Jaśkowski, board member of RealCo Property Investment and Development.
RealCo Property Investment and Development
RealCo Property Investment and Development operates as part of the Warsaw Equity Group and cooperates with the Polish Association of Developers. The company focuses on projects that improve the quality of life for residents and care for the local cultural and architectural context. Wrocław’s Młyn Maria, Apartamenty przy Park Szczytnickim or Nowa Pabianicka are examples of previous realisations awarded in industry competitions. One of the company’s activities is also to support initiatives related to the art and history of the city.
Source: RealCo Property Investment and Development
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