The building authority has approved the demolition of the Baťa department store in M. Lázních

Mariánské Lázně (Cheb region) - The building authority in Mariánské Lázně has recently authorized the demolition of the functionalist Baťa department store. The building, constructed in 1932 in the central part of the city, was ordered to be immediately closed last June by structural engineers due to the emergency state of its load-bearing reinforced concrete structures. By the end of October, the building, located in a protected heritage zone, was considered a monument, but the Ministry of Culture removed it from the list. According to the decision of the building authority published on the official notice board, emergency states cannot be removed, and the demolition must be completed by June 30.
    However, Mayor Vojtěch Franta (Pirates) is not pleased with the decision. As he previously stated to ČTK, he intends to appeal to the regional office. In addition, the city center will likely lose another prominent building - the remains of the former Rozkvět hotel, which was destroyed in a major fire in October, will probably also face removal, leaving only the outer walls.
    The triangular Baťa house has one underground and four above-ground floors, and including the extension, it rises to more than 17 meters. "Demolition work will be carried out through gradual disassembly. The expected demolition technology will be combined - manual disassembly and mechanical demolition of the building," stated the building authority. Although the Baťa department store is undoubtedly a valuable structure of Czech interwar functionalism, according to them, it is currently in such condition that it threatens lives. According to the structural engineer, the load-bearing structures were built using aluminous cement. However, the strength of the concrete has significantly decreased. Many critical elements, such as foundation footings, columns, and basement walls, now have such low or nearly unmeasurable compressive strength that the actual stresses on these elements are at the limit of real bearing capacity. "With a minimal increase in force effect beyond the current one on these elements, there is a risk of collapse of the structure as a whole," states the structural engineer's report.
    Franta, who is himself an architect, began to address the situation surrounding the Baťa palace immediately after taking office as mayor following the October elections. He proposed the preparation of another opposing structural assessment. However, the building authority did not consider the proposal. "My opinion on the whole matter is that it would create a serious precedent if we allowed the demolition of any cultural monument based on a single structural assessment without opposition. I believe such a thing should not happen anywhere," said the mayor.
    The decision of the building authority also includes conditions for demolition in the sloping street, for the removal of debris and waste, ensuring safety, preventing damage to surrounding buildings, and similar matters.
    All work must be carried out so as to disturb the surroundings as little as possible with excessive emissions, noise, vibrations, and dust. The spa balneotechnician will also be interested in the course of the demolition. During the demolition, monitoring of the nearby Alexandrina spring will be ensured.