Mattonka wants to demolish the building at Stallburg in Kyselka, facing criticism

Stallburg House in Kyselka Spa

Karlovy Vary - Karlovarské minerální vody (KMV), which owns part of the buildings in the former Kyselka spa, is facing further criticism. The Association of Organizations for the Protection and Development of Cultural Heritage (ASORKD) is unhappy that KMV plans to demolish the building of the former fire station located next to the Stallburg building, which is the first restored building from the former spa complex. The final decision will rest with the region, and KMV will respect it, said the company's media representative Michal Donath today to ČTK. The building is not historically protected.
    "KMV wants to create a new relaxation zone for the users of the new residential units in Stallburg. The intention is to create more favorable living conditions and a nicer environment. A park with benches and probably a children's area should be created on the site," Donath stated.
    According to him, the garage structure is a later addition from the early 20th century. In the past, it probably served as a fire station, but its condition is not good. "There is no use for it," he said. According to Donath, opening the space around Stallburg will highlight the architecture of the neighboring buildings without affecting the overall appearance of the street front of the former spa buildings.
    However, the heritage association ASORKD has a different opinion, claiming that the building is located in a protected zone, which is similar to city heritage zones. "Although we do not consider it exhibition architecture, the building is a natural part of the local development. When we imagine several buildings by the river as human teeth, we can surely agree that aesthetically, it is better to repair a tooth than to extract it and leave a gap in the dentition. And the fire station can be repaired," said Martin J. Kadrman from the association.
    The Department of Heritage Care, the municipal heritage experts in Karlovy Vary, issued consent for the removal of the building in recent days. When making their decision, they had the non-binding opinion of the National Heritage Institute in Loket, which expressed a negative stance towards the owner's intention. However, this opinion was not binding for the municipal department. "This building is indeed in a heritage zone, but it is not a monument. In this case, rescue is not enforceable," said the spokesperson for the Karlovy Vary municipality, Jan Kopál, to ČTK. He stated that a negative stance should not have a basis in law. If someone challenges the decision, the matter will be handled by the regional office.
    KMV owns several other buildings in the spa area besides Stallburg, including the Löschner pavilion, Hotel Praha, and administrative buildings. A larger part of the former spa is managed by the charitable organization Lázně Kyselka.