The city has an investor for the reconstruction of the Ostrava skyscraper

Ostrava - Ostrava has chosen an investor for the redevelopment of the so-called Ostrava skyscraper and the related construction of a new parking garage. Both buildings must be completed within five years at the latest. Today, city councilors decided on the conclusion of a contract with the investor. The city aims to expand the supply of housing, including municipal rental housing, through the reconstruction of the dominant high-rise building on Ostrčilova Street in the city center and to strengthen parking options in this area.

The 22-story tower has been empty since 2013 due to technical issues. The topic of its reconstruction or potential demolition has been addressed repeatedly. The city ultimately decided to save the building, and a reconstruction proposal has been prepared for it by the studio of renowned architect Eva Jiřičná. Up to 75 apartments, ranging from 1-bedroom units to high-standard duplex apartments, are set to be created in the building. A parking garage is expected to be built in place of the current parking lot.

"The reconstruction is proposed at a high architectural standard, and the building will include services and spaces of a specific nature, such as a requirement for a green façade including central irrigation, a reception area in the building, and a green roof on the parking garage," reminded municipal spokesperson Gabriela Pokorná.

The city has decided to collaborate with a private investor on the project and wants to purchase part of the apartments and parking spaces for its ownership after the building is completed. "The design part of the entire project is transferred to the investor. The investor will be the one to prepare the building's renovation and parking garage construction project and realize the construction, while the city will ultimately own most of the parking spaces and some of the apartments for public rental," stated Deputy Mayor Zuzana Bajgarová (ANO).

The city has reached an agreement for collaboration with the company First Skyscraper, which was the sole interested party. The estimated costs for the building's reconstruction were nearly 510 million CZK excluding VAT last December, but they will likely be higher due to rising construction material prices. "The company will pay the city all costs for the preparation of documentation and materials secured by the city amounting to approximately 5.3 million CZK excluding VAT, as well as the purchase price for the land amounting to nearly 43.3 million CZK excluding VAT. After the buildings are completed, the city will purchase 15 apartments from the investor, including three accessible units, and 90 parking spaces for just under 231 million CZK excluding VAT. Overall, this investment will cost the city 182 million CZK," noted Pokorná. The city intends to use the apartments for rental housing, with parking spaces available for tenants and the public.

Some opposition councilors criticized today that the city's costs are too high. The leadership countered that this is a project that brings quality architecture to the city, which is reflected in the construction costs, and that the goal was not to build according to the cheapest technical solution. They also pointed out that the redevelopment would resolve a long-standing problematic site.

The investor will also be obligated to improve the surrounding public space within a year of the construction's completion. This will include greenery and necessary transportation infrastructure, which will be owned by the city, which will then be responsible for the maintenance and management of the communications.