Ostrava is initiating the selection of an investment partner for the renovation of a skyscraper into an apartment building according to the design of Eva Jiřičná

The Ostrava skyscraper on Ostrčilova Street has been empty since 2013 due to technical issues. The city leadership decided in the past year not to demolish the building, but to preserve it as one of the unique vertical landmarks of the city and to restore its original purpose. The proposed reconstruction for the city was prepared by the Czech studio of the world-renowned architect Eva Jiřičná, AI Design. It consists of a complete renovation of the tower building "Ostrava Skyscraper" into a comfortable residential building, increasing it by one floor, and adding a parking facility.

Model of Public-Private Partnership

The city of Ostrava is interested in implementing the construction in cooperation with the private sector. In this context, it has now announced the first phase of the public procurement process, known as the preliminary market consultation, aimed at initially reaching out to potential investors, verifying the framework technical and contractual requirements of the city, and contrasting them with the market setup.

The Ostrava skyscraper is the second residential project for which the city of Ostrava wants to engage the private sector; the first was the Nové Lauby residence. The business model anticipates that the city will sell the properties for construction to the investor, the investor will realize the construction as a whole, and the city will subsequently buy back part of the property, in this case, apartments for the purpose of rental housing and parking spaces for its tenants and the public. This is a concept that is unique in the Czech Republic and, given our legislation, also very complicated. The complex of five Nové Lauby buildings served as a pilot for Ostrava and opened questions for future projects, which the preliminary market consultations can help solve and thus streamline the partnership between the city and the private sector.

How to Participate

The city expects from suppliers both a statement on the intention (including mentioning other more suitable or alternative solutions) and also answers to the questions stated in the individual chapters of the preliminary market consultations. The information obtained from these preliminary market consultations will be used exclusively for the purposes of preparing the procurement conditions for the public contract "Ostrava Skyscraper." The city is interested in addressing the potential suppliers' objections before the final setting of the procurement conditions, which could make the procurer's intention non-viable or only realizable with difficulties.

The preliminary market consultations will take place in one round in the form of written communication. The supplier's statements are expected by August 10, 2021.

Interested parties in participating in the preliminary market consultations can find more information on the website pozemky.ostrava.cz and on the procurer's profile on https://tenderarena.cz through which they can register.

Design Signed by Eva Jiřičná

The comprehensive renovation proposal for the mentioned building was developed by the renowned Czech studio AI – DESIGN of the world-famous architect Eva Jiřičná and architect Petr Vágner. Their realizations include, among others, the first design hotel in Central and Eastern Europe, Hotel Josef in Prague, the new orangery at Prague Castle, the Sky Barrandov residential complex, and many others. The studio has received numerous awards for its realizations both abroad and in the Czech Republic, including the Grand Prix of the Architects' Association. The investment intention confirmed the technical possibilities of remodeling this long-discussed building. At the same time, it brought a solution that preserves one of Ostrava's vertical landmarks while introducing a completely new element to the area. It offers additional attractive housing in the city center as well as a café with a view on the top floor of the building.

About the Project

The majority of the building will consist of 76 newly designed apartments of various sizes from 1+kk to exclusive duplex apartments on the upper floors. To ensure the apartments feel spacious and airy even with low ceiling heights, the design incorporates fully glazed windows and extends with green balconies. The ground floor of the building will be available for commercial spaces totaling 135 m², as well as a reception and lobby. The building will be newly barrier-free, naturally connected to the surrounding terrain.

In view of the situation in the area and the high number of new apartments, the design also includes the construction of a parking facility with a capacity of 130 to 170 parking spaces. It will serve existing residents as well as future new tenants.

Preliminary expectations are that project documentation should be prepared between 2021 and 2022, and the renovation of the building could ideally begin in 2023. The estimated cost is 390 million crowns, including the parking facility.

History of the Building

The building was designed by Jan Slezák in the so-called late international style between 1965 and 1968 as part of the Jindřiška housing estate as an experimental project. Originally intended as a residential building, it was only used for this purpose for a few years due to technical problems, and in the 1970s, it was converted into an office building. It has a nearly square footprint and a fully glazed ground floor.

Information:

• ostrava.cz
• https://tenderarena.cz