The next stage of renovation of a historical burgher house at ul. Włodkowica 7-9 has commenced. The building houses e.g. the seat of Wrocław Jewish Religious Community. Workers are now putting up the scaffolding in a historical passage leading to the White Stork Synagogue.
"From June 23rd to July 14th the gate will be closed for tourists, and the entrance to the Synagogue's courtyard will be only possible from ul. Św. Antoniego. The renovation of the façade from ul. Włodkowica will last until the end of summer vacation. We are aware that this might be a bit of a nuisance to tourists. We will do our best to limit all inconvenience to the minimum" explained Aleksander Gleichgewicht, the head of the Jewish Community in Wrocław. "The house has been changing beyond recognition for the last few years. First we renovated the building's roof, and last year we did the façade from the side of the White Stork Synagogue courtyard. This year the time has come to renovate the façade from the side of ul. Włodkowica. In the coming years we intend to renovate the house's interior, and create next commercial space. The building will also host six flats for the seniors of the Jewish Community. As for now, we are looking for funding options" he added.
This year's renovation will include thorough conservation works, e.g. replacing of plasters, and reconstructing balconies. As far as architectural details are concerned, reconstructed will be a picturesque turret, cartouches and mascarons. The total cost will be 366,000 PLN.
"It is a major difference with regard to what the initial plan estimated, i.e. 1,136,000 PLN. The amount of subsidy granted by the City Conservator's Office will be 256,000" said Mariola Apanel, the leading manager of revitalization of the Four Confessions' District.
The interest in the tender was very substantial, with eight companies taking part in it; the company named Hexagon won. The renovation will last until November.
The building's history
The Włodkowica 7-9 building was erected in 1901, according to a project of Richard Ehrlich. It housed the religious school, and lodging for the rabbis, i.e. the most important institutions of the Jewish community. The building performed its function until 10 June 1943, when the community was liquidated, and its authorities taken to a concentration camp. Since 1945 a Polish Jewish community has been living here. Currently the building houses a canteen, flats, and a historical bathhouse. From ul. Włodkowica the Jewish Information Centre is located, as well as La Maddalena Restaurant, (with a summer garden, and another entrance in the courtyard of the White Stork Synagogue) and a bookshop-café, Cocofli. The burgher house belongs to the Jewish Religious Community.
Miłosz Turowski
