The reconstruction of the Art Nouveau Hotel Evropa begins

Prague - The owner of the Art Nouveau Hotel Evropa on Wenceslas Square in Prague has found a new operator with whom he will embark on the renovation of the once-famous hotel. Thus begins the long-awaited reconstruction, which should restore the former glory of the listed building. The hotel, which has seen no investment for years, with its original interior preserved, has been closed for a year and a half.
    "The selection process for the hotel operator has been completed, and we are currently negotiating contractual details with the new operator. The construction has begun," said Lenka Vlčková from the marketing department of the Prague Property Management (PSN), which owns the building. It is one of the companies of real estate entrepreneur Václav Skala. The historic building is to be reconstructed according to the design of the architectural office DaM, with a new building added to the interior courtyard.
    However, an archaeological survey will first be conducted on the site, as is common in the area where the hotel is located. It is unclear how long it will take; first, a reconnaissance survey will be held, followed by a rescue survey in case significant finds are made. According to previous information from PSN, the reconstruction and construction are expected to last about two and a half years.
    The investor waited to begin this until the future hotel operator was determined. According to the project, the Art Nouveau part will retain its authentic character from the early 20th century, particularly the valuable two-story café and the French lounge. The modern extension in the courtyard will offer additional services and increase the accommodation capacity.
    The inaccessible hotel was open for a few days during last year's Designblok exhibition. In addition to the presentations by creators and companies, PSN itself presented an alleged hotel room after reconstruction. Some visitors expressed concerns about the future appearance of the building, making it one of the most discussed elements of the exhibition. PSN later stated that it was a "non-binding proposal mainly for the purpose of arousing the interest of Designblok visitors." It was also reportedly built in a room where historical elements had already been damaged during the previous regime. The room's design was prepared by the Archina office, not by the studio that is the author of the reconstruction and new building for which a construction permit has been issued.
    The hotel was built in 1872 by architect Josef Schulz in the neo-Renaissance style. After reconstruction in 1889, it was redesigned in the style of geometric Art Nouveau between 1903 and 1905. In 1924, the hotel was acquired by restaurateur Karel Šroubek, after whom it was named.
    The hotel became known worldwide not only for its Art Nouveau decoration but also for its renowned cuisine and first-class service. Before the war, it was home to British businessman Nicholas Winton, who directed the rescue of Jewish children from Nazism from there. In 1951, the hotel was nationalized and renamed Grand Hotel Evropa. After 1989, it was restituted, and the current domestic owner bought it in the 1990s. Based on a mandate contract, he transferred it to PSN.