In Ostrava, the renovation of the residential building Oblouk has begun

photo: Tomáš Břeský (poruba.ostrava.cz)

Ostrava – Today, the reconstruction of the Oblouk building began in the Ostrava city district of Poruba. This cultural monument, which includes apartments, is one of the most notable buildings in the style of socialist realism. The repair of this symbol of Poruba will take 13 months and will cost 109 million crowns. This was announced to journalists by city hall spokesman Martin Otipka.

"The Oblouk urgently needed reconstruction. Over time, the representative entrance to Poruba had turned into a somewhat neglected place. The city district had been looking for ways to repair it for many years. However, it always encountered property relations," reminded mayor Lucie Baránková Vilamová (ANO).

In October 2019, the district succeeded in purchasing 128 apartments from the company Residomo. "We consolidated the ownership of the Oblouk and immediately began preparing the project," added the mayor. The reconstruction will start at both ends and will progress towards the center of the building.

According to the spokesperson, all 11 entrances owned by the district will receive a new appearance. "The twelfth, a house with a turret, is owned by the housing cooperative and will not be renovated. This is despite the fact that Poruba had been negotiating with the cooperative for more than six months about a complete renovation, and there was also a funding title available to cover the repairs. The members' meeting ultimately decided that they did not want to renovate their entrance," the spokesperson stated.

The building will have a new facade, the metal roof will be replaced with tiles, the attics will be insulated, and there will also be sanitation of the basement areas, painting of windows, and replacement of display windows and doors.

"The renovation of the apartment building will be followed by the revitalization of the forecourt. Sidewalks will be repaired, green areas will be adjusted, and a new appearance will also be given to the parking lot at the rear of the apartment building," said the mayor.

The group of apartment buildings Oblouk was built in the first half of the 1950s. Work began in June 1952, and the first residents moved in December 1954. Architect Evžen Šteflíček was inspired by Palace Square in St. Petersburg. Since 2008, Oblouk has been a cultural monument. It is the only building in Poruba that has also been featured on a postage stamp.