The long-awaited regeneration of the historic complex has begun in Wrocław. The former “Betania” hospital on Traugutta Street is set to be transformed into a development called “Traugutta nad Oławą”, carried out by OKRE by Koramic to a design by JEMS Architekci. The first phase will see the construction of flats, commercial premises and part of the infrastructure. The concept involves the renovation and conversion of the historic buildings, as well as the addition of several complementary structures.
The hospital on Traugutta Street – the beginnings
The history of this site began in 1852. At that time, Evangelical deaconesses purchased the “Pod Austriackim Cesarzem” inn and set up a small clinic there. Over time, the complex expanded to include further buildings, a chapel and staff facilities. At the beginning of the 20th century, a large hospital, modern for its time, was built. Numerous modernisations transformed the originally intimate centre into a sprawling complex resembling a medical campus, with buildings scattered amongst greenery and internal courtyards. The hospital functioned as one of the most important institutions in Breslau at the time, run continuously by a Protestant congregation of nuns until 1945. At its peak, there were as many as 200 beds available for patients.
Post-war reconstruction of the “Betania” Hospital
After 1945, the complex became part of the public healthcare system and operated as the Tadeusz Marciniak Lower Silesian Specialist Hospital. During this period, some of the buildings underwent reconstruction. Their façades were simplified, details were removed, and the brick walls were covered with plaster. Furthermore, the window divisions were altered, cornices and other decorations were knocked down, all in the name of greater functionality, with no regard for appearance. The result of these rather unfortunate renovations was a varied mosaic of different forms and styles. Despite this, the layout of the hospital complex remained reasonably clear.
The hospital on Traugutta Street gets a new lease of life
The facility operated until 2015, when it was moved to new premises on Fieldorfa Street. The historic buildings were severely outdated and non-functional, and further investment in their modernisation simply wasn’t cost-effective. The abandoned building began to gradually fall into disrepair. For a time, it still served as a venue for cultural events, including the Survival Art Review, which temporarily breathed new life into the dead interiors. After a period of neglect and disuse, a new chapter has finally dawned in the over 170-year history of the hospital buildings. The developer OKRE by Koramic intends to transform the entire complex on Traugutta Street into a vibrant hub featuring apartments, offices and amenities. Ultimately, eight buildings serving various functions will be built here. Unfortunately, the developer was unable to purchase the adjacent plot with the dilapidated chapel on Żabia Ścieżka Street. We wrote about it HERE.
The first phase of the “Traugutta nad Oławą” development
The first stage of the “Traugutta nad Oławą” development is currently underway. It focuses on three residential buildings with retail space on the ground floors, including two historic buildings and a new apartment block designed by JEMS Architekci. The new building will offer interesting views of the River Oława, and its form is intended to harmonise with its surroundings in terms of scale and rhythm. Work on the historic buildings is being carried out in consultation with the Provincial Conservator of Monuments. This will include, amongst other things, the restoration of the wooden window frames in their original colours, and the preservation of the original staircases. In the historic sections, the ceiling height of the flats will exceed 3 metres, whilst in the new sections it will be approximately 2.7 metres. The development will be complemented by a three-storey underground car park for nearly 250 cars.
Building C as the flagship of the development
Building C plays a unique role in the entire development. The building stands directly on the street and can therefore serve as an informal showcase for ‘Traugutta nad Oławą’. The three-storey tenement house was severely affected by post-war modernisations, which almost completely erased its former character. The architects decided to restore some of its lost form, drawing on archival materials. As part of the renovation, secondary superstructures and extensions will be removed, and in their place a new roof with historical geometry will be constructed, finished with titanium-zinc sheet metal. In addition, the building’s façades will regain their former details, which were lost during chaotic modernisations. Importantly, the building will feature contemporary balconies and terraces. The property is to have seven storeys, accommodate 25 flats and be fitted with lifts.
Green surroundings and new functions
Equally important will be the development of the entire former hospital site. At its centre, a park with mature trees will be created, complemented by new trees and shrubs. Paths and small water features will also appear between the buildings. Recreational areas accessible to residents are planned along the river. The design also incorporates rainwater retention systems and cycling infrastructure, including bike racks and cycle sheds.
The redevelopment of the former hospital on Traugutta Street will transform this forgotten and dilapidated site into a vibrant, functional and aesthetically pleasing complex.
Source: OKRE, Wrocław City Council
Read also:Metamorphosis|Renovation | Historic building|Wrocław|whiteMAD on Instagram
The hospital site now and after redevelopment. Photo: Google Earth and OKRE
Building C now and after renovation. Photo: Wrocław – Construction Investments and OKRE
