Plzeň wants to start the reconstruction of the apartment of the famous Loose this year

Plzeň - Plzeň wants to start the overall reconstruction of the unique apartment by Adolf Loos at Bendova Street 10 this year. The former apartment of Vilém and Gertruda Kraus, who were affected by a troubled fate with the onset of World War II, is set to be opened to the public in 2015, when it will be the European Capital of Culture. The renovation of the valuable space will cost seven million CZK. The city hall is preparing work in other buildings designed by the world-renowned architect. CTK was informed by the head of the city’s heritage department, Petr Marovič.
    "Work at Bendova 10 is expected to start at the turn of September and October, and should be completed in 2014. We are the furthest along with this project," he stated.
    In the apartment near Klatovská Street in the city center, which is owned by the city, the original furnishings have been preserved mainly in the interiors of two rooms. The renovation includes the rehabilitation of the dining room, living room, and bedroom with Loos's interiors, as well as other parts that will be converted into offices. The building will provide facilities for intimate cultural and social events. The city has prepared the project documentation and is now looking for a contractor.
    "For another building at Klatovská 12, we want to furnish it with period furniture based on historical photographs by 2015; this is the dining room," said Marovič. A table and 12 chairs will be created according to replicas of furniture in Prague’s Müller Villa. When comparing historical photos from Klatovská 12, the heritage experts found that the furniture elements matched the furnishings of Müller Villa. "We have precise production models and contacts with a restorer who made the elements for Müller Villa," Marovič added.
    In contrast, Klatovská 19 is still waiting to be saved. The building, which was owned by the military and is now owned by the city, needs an investment of 70 to 100 million CZK. "The situation there is the saddest. We investigated whether it would be possible to do just part of the work, but that is not feasible," said Marovič. There is no money for the overall repair.
    The reconstruction of the building at Klatovská 110 will hopefully be more successful; the city has transferred it to the Plzeň Region, and its West Bohemian Gallery wants to establish a Center for Research on 19th and 20th Century Architecture there. The building has already been cleared of secondary interventions and is being prepared for reconstruction. The region is now waiting for the announcement of Norwegian funds, from which they will apply for a grant.
    Those interested in the work of the famous architect can see his work at Husova 58, although the house is privately owned. The city has agreed with the owner on occasional access, and last week the city council approved a grant of 300,000 CZK for the repair of the exterior plaster. "This is one of the most valuable houses in Plzeň, which was radically reconstructed according to Loos's design," said Deputy Mayor Eva Herinková (ČSSD). The city hall has previously financially assisted the private owner. Of this year's support for immovable cultural monuments belonging to individuals or companies, Husova 58 received the most.
    In Plzeň, Adolf Loos carried out the reconstruction of the so-called Brummel House at the address Husova 58 and 13 apartment interiors. Experts consider Loos's interiors one of Plzeň’s greatest assets.