New Jičín wants to purchase two dilapidated Hückel villas

Nový Jičín - The town of Nový Jičín wants to buy two dilapidated Hückel villas from a private owner. It would like to establish a healthcare center or a multifunctional space in them. The purchase of the heritage-protected villas will be approved by the city council in March, with 13.5 million crowns allocated for it in the city budget. This was communicated today by Marie Machková, spokesperson for the Nový Jičín town hall.

The town has already had a feasibility study prepared for the villas. Experts evaluated the current condition of the buildings and land and proposed a procedure for restoring the cultural monuments. "According to the study, the estimated costs for the restoration of the Hückel villas could be around 200 million crowns. This amount includes land modifications, the construction of transport infrastructure, and extensions,” said Machková.

The group of Hückel villas includes four buildings in Nový Jičín. Two are renovated: one belongs to the town and houses a kindergarten, while the second, which contains a children's home, is owned by the region. The other two villas were offered to the town for purchase by the developer who owns them.

Today, Minister of Culture Daniel Herman (KDU-ČSL) inspected the villas. He stated that once property rights are resolved, the ministry will assist with the restoration of the villas. "The condition of the villas is deplorable. On the other hand, there is a lot to restore, and that is important,” said Herman.

If the city council approves the purchase, the town wants to have the necessary construction assessments carried out this year, a more detailed project documentation prepared, and the groundwork for an architectural competition established. There are five million crowns set aside for documentation, launching the architectural competition, and basic conservation work. Then the town will seek new uses for the villas.

"One villa could serve medical purposes. We would like to rent it out to an external operator. In the other, a multifunctional cultural and social space could be developed,” said Mayor Jaroslav Dvořák (ČSSD).

The villas of brothers Johann and August Hückel were designed by the Viennese architect Otto Thienemann, and their interiors were adorned with paintings by the famous Nový Jičín native Eduard Veith. They were built between 1880 and 1882 in the neo-Renaissance style and were among the architectural gems. They have been protected monuments since 1995, but have been deteriorating for years. Previously, they housed a sanatorium and a hospital department.