Machoň's passage in Pardubice does not have approved apartments

Pardubice - Almost after two years of renovations, the Machoň Passage in Pardubice was ceremonially opened today. This unique monument in the art deco style had been derelict for many years. The shops in the passage already have tenants who are preparing for their first customers. The apartments on the upper floors are still not approved, said Martin Charvát, director of the Pardubice Development Fund, to ČTK.
     "Currently, there are six additional permits in process. We cannot open the upper floors for operation. People have taken over the apartments, they can furnish them, but they cannot live there," Charvát said.
     The fund had to demolish ceilings from the second floor and above, added two elevators, created a new entrance to the restaurant from the parking lot, and ensured ventilation from the hoods. For this, it had to request a change in the building permit. According to media reports, however, the owner of the neighboring building has filed an appeal.
     "If everything goes well, the apartments will be approved by the end of April," Charvát said.
     The passage was completed in 1925, and it was known as the "magnificent passage palace." According to Zdeněk Lukeš, architect of the Office of the President of the Republic, it is one of the most interesting examples of the art deco style, which peaked globally in the first half of the 20th century.
     "This style was very popular here. It was promoted by Josef Gočár and Pavel Janák. The passage is a beautiful example of art deco architecture. But in a slightly different interpretation than seen with Janák or Gočár, I would say in a more subtle and elegant spirit," Lukeš told ČTK.
     A number of elements have not survived in the passage. Copies of three-armed lights that were lost had to be made. The mosaic floor composed of 800,000 tiles was replaced with a new one, but the stones are from the original quarries in Germany and Italy. Most of the cabinets were restored. The staircase with a metal railing has also been preserved.
     In the passage, tenants will gradually open 11 shops, four offices, and one restaurant. This comes with 64 parking spaces and 31 apartments. The entire structure cost 182.5 million crowns excluding VAT. The fund is a joint-stock company of the city hall and took a loan for the renovations.
     "I would be very pleased if we are able to simultaneously reconstruct Míru Square along with the Machoň Passage," said Mayor Štěpánka Fraňková.