Kellner's PPF in Prague is preparing several prominent buildings

Prague - The richest Czech, Petr Kellner, who celebrates his 50th birthday on Tuesday, is planning several significant construction projects in Prague. The most attention is being drawn to the demolition of Hotel Praha and the subsequent construction of a school, the so-called polar bear project in Dejvice, or the plan for the tallest skyscraper in the Czech Republic in Chodov.
    The most visible activity of the PPF group, which Kellner owns almost entirely, is currently taking place in Prague 6, where PPF is also based. In Hanspaulka, they have been demolishing the former local landmark Hotel Praha since March; in its place, they want to restore a park. It is expected to become part of the premises of the Open Gate elementary school and gymnasium, which are to be built on the so-called Hadovka.
    According to PPF spokesperson Radek Stavěl, the main building of the hotel is currently being removed, and the land is being adjusted on the site of the former garages, with work expected to finish in a few months. The demolition of the hotel has provoked mixed reactions from the public and experts. Some disagree with the demolition, considering the hotel a unique structure. Others argue that it is average architecture. PPF points out that the building was oversized and uneconomical.
    The planned construction of a traditionally architecturally designed building, the so-called polar bear, at Vítězné náměstí, is also accompanied by disputes. Its location has been discussed for several months. The construction has already received a zoning permit, but it has not yet come into effect due to legal disputes. Due to the construction, Citizens for Their Rights in Prague have filed a criminal complaint for suspected violations of duties in managing foreign property. They were displeased with the transfer of shares in the company Vítězné náměstí, which is preparing the project. Prague 6 had a minority stake in the company, which PPF sold for 13.5 million crowns. According to Lidové noviny, the prosecutor found no wrongdoing and dropped the case.
    Another significant project is the construction of the skyscraper near Chodov metro station called Prague Eye Towers. Its two towers are to be the tallest buildings in the Czech Republic. In this case, the company is also striving to obtain a zoning decision. Representatives of Prague 11 have called on the company to build an additional entrance to Chodov metro station as part of the project. "We have declared our readiness to cooperate on a new metro exit, with the technical possibilities of such a solution being crucial. We are currently verifying these," said Stavěl.
    In the fall, the PPF group anticipates the approval of the ArtGen project in Prague's Holešovice. "This is a modern administrative project located in the revitalized area of Holešovice and Bubny. It consists of two buildings featuring unconventional, modern, and environmentally friendly facilities in connection with art and culture; the interiors will serve as gallery and exhibition spaces," added Stavěl.
    Besides Prague, Kellner has also built in other parts of the country in recent years. He has constructed an extensive residence in Podkozí near Beroun. Most details of the building remain hidden behind a high slate wall. The new complex has elicited mixed reactions from locals - while some praised the fact that neglected properties have disappeared from the area, others feared that the village would lose its tranquility. According to Miloš Dvorský, the mayor of Ptice, where Kellner's construction belongs, almost everything is already completed. "It is finished; they are just still finalizing some communications," said Dvorský.
    Local representatives point out that the new neighbors are showing themselves to be generous patrons. Kellner's wife contributes annually to the municipal office in Ptice for a project presented, in the past it has been new sewage or lighting, for example. According to Dvorský, this amount is 300,000 crowns per year.