The renovation of the Mělník villa Karola for the art school is nearly completed

Mělník – The renovation of the Villa Karola in Mělník, where a basic art school will operate from the summer holidays, is almost complete. It is a listed building. The restoration of the facade is still being planned. Only finishing works remain in the interiors, said Mělník's deputy mayor Milan Schweigstill to ČTK.

The city has already selected a contractor for the facade, which was not originally planned for reconstruction. The masons are expected to start working in the coming weeks. "Which of course will not prevent the basic art school from functioning there," the deputy mayor stated. A music hall, a studio with a gallery, and several classrooms will be created here.

Heritage protectors provided input on the appearance of the new facade, evaluating the type and color. It is expected to be completed by the end of October, however, if there are excessively high summer temperatures which prevent the continuation of work for technological reasons, the timeline may be extended.

The city will pay almost nine million crowns for the interior modifications, which included the renewal of electrical and internet networks as well as adjustments to some partitions. The facade will cost two million crowns; the project includes the removal of climbing plants and the current coating, the addition of fallen stucco plaster, a new paint job, the repair of copper sheeting, and the lightning rod.

In the past, the villa housed the city library. After that, the building was vacant. It was built in the 19th century by district secretary František Vinkler based on a design by architect Alois Filčík. It is named after the secretary's wife, Karolina. It consists of two houses, No. 40 and 41, which stand in the historic core of the town.