The renovation of the historic Sokolovna in Krnov will cost an additional 20 million crowns

Krnov - The repair of the historic Sokol Gymnasium in Krnov will become more expensive - according to estimates by up to 20 million crowns. It would thus cost around 90 million. The conducted surveys revealed damage and inadequacies in some structural elements. Moreover, part of the work already completed was destroyed by last year’s flood. This was reported today by the city spokesperson Dita Círová. The Sokol Gymnasium, built in 1933, was designed by the Krnov native architect Leopold Bauer.

The restoration of the listed building began in 2023, and it is expected to be completed in the spring of 2026. The reconstruction has been accompanied by complications. Last year, builders uncovered the first inadequate structures. Then, in September, a flood swept through the construction site and destroyed some of the completed work. For instance, the floors had to be laid again. Now surveys have revealed additional inadequately strong structures.

"For the current time, some of the original structural elements are undersized and exhibit severe defects, which we are only discovering now during construction. An extensive survey, including a larger number of test boreholes, could not be conducted beforehand, as the building was still in operation during the preparation of the project documentation,” explained Jan Šrubař, head of the investment department.

The reconstruction aims to preserve the historical value of the building while adapting it to modern requirements for operating a sports facility. "This is a complex and extensive reconstruction, which is demanding due to the age of the building and its technical condition. Furthermore, we must proceed in accordance with heritage protection, which often requires specific solutions. All of this necessitates additional work and operational decision-making directly on the construction site. The recent flood has also complicated the situation, and its consequences must be addressed,” added Šrubař. The larger volume of work will affect the cost of the reconstruction. From the original 70 million, estimates have risen to 90 million crowns including VAT.

The repair includes, among other things, strengthening the foundations, stabilizing the terrace's structure, repairing the facade, and replacing windows and roofing. The technical systems - heating, electrical installations, air conditioning, and plumbing - are being modernized. There will be new floors and new sanitary facilities. The reconstruction also includes the addition of reinforced surfaces around the building and the solution to rainwater drainage. Other necessary interventions include the replacement of railings on staircases, as their height does not meet current safety standards.

The sports hall is a compactly preserved monumental modernist reinforced concrete building with a rectangular floor plan and outdoor terraces, covered by a gable roof with dormers. It was built from 1932 to 1933 according to the design of architect Leopold Bauer, a native of Krnov and a student of the Vienna Wagner School. The building is inspired by the shape of a ship. The ground floor features a small hall with facilities, while the upper floor houses a large hall. The building is unique in that the vast majority of its elements and structural details have been preserved in their original form. The authenticity is further enhanced by the original gymnastic equipment built into the structure, such as rings and climbing frames.