The repair of the Třebíč monument by Bohuslav Fuchs will cost 12 million

Třebíč – The monumentally protected wooden building of the changing rooms of the former river baths in Třebíč is getting a new coat of paint. The renovation of the structure from 1934 designed by architect Bohuslav Fuchs has already cost over five million crowns. The entire repair, which has been proceeding in phases since 2016, will amount to about 12 million crowns. Original estimates had anticipated half that price, said city spokesperson Irini Martakidisová.

"We discovered that a larger amount of the original wood needs to be replaced, columns must be cut and exchanged, and the floors on the balcony replaced," Martakidisová stated. According to her, removing all layers of paint is also challenging. "Craftsmen can sand about six square meters a day," the spokesperson said.

For the last several decades, the two-story building with dozens of changing rooms and four staircases has been a striking blue, complemented by sharp yellow and red colors. A restoration survey commissioned by the city discovered original, muted shades that the renovation is aiming for. Yellow will be replaced with ochre, red with brick orange, and the dark blue coating will be two shades significantly lighter blue, said Martakidisová.

According to her, the repair of the changing rooms and the roof should be completed this year, while next year work will focus more on the common parts of the building, including the balcony. "We anticipate that repairs will continue for another two years until the building is completely restored," the spokesperson added. After the renovation, the changing rooms will serve their original purpose. The repair is being funded by the city with the assistance of the Ministry of Culture.

The river baths Polanka were established on the former Waldstein meadow on the Podklášterská side of the Jihlava River, accommodating up to 1,200 people. They were ceremonially opened on May 27, 1934. In the late 70s, a swimming complex was built nearby. The wooden changing rooms have been inaccessible to the public for many years due to safety reasons.