The reconstruction of the Ostrava skyscraper could begin at the end of 2025

Ostrava – The reconstruction of the so-called Ostrava skyscraper, which is 68 meters tall, could begin at the end of next year. Work on the project designed by architect Eva Jiřičná is expected to last two years. The first residents are expected to move into the new apartments by the end of 2027. The city of Ostrava signed a contract today for the sale of the land and the building. The investor of the construction will be the First Skyscraper company. Mayor Jan Dohnal (ODS) announced this to reporters today.

"I am glad that the city has decided to repair the building. To preserve such an important landmark of Ostrava. The other option was demolition. Given the current zoning plan and other regulations, it is clear that such a tall building would not be allowed to grow there again," Dohnal stated. Jiřičná added that she hates demolishing buildings. "Sometimes it's hard to find a way to fix something. But most of the time, it is possible," said the architect, who worked on the design with her colleague Petr Vágner.

The building, which has 22 floors, will receive two new levels. The reconstruction will allow for the creation of balconies. "In total, there will be 75 apartments in the skyscraper. The smallest ones will be on the lower floors. The largest, including duplexes, on the uppermost floors," said investor representative Jakub Blaťák to ČTK. He added that it is still not completely clear whether the apartments will be rental or sold to interested parties.

Part of the planned project also includes the construction of a parking facility. Blaťák expects that it will take approximately a year to obtain all the necessary permits and approvals. The reconstruction should then start at the end of 2025 and is expected to last two years.

The Ostrava skyscraper was built according to a design by Jan Slezák between 1965 and 1968 as part of the Jindřiška housing estate. It originally served as a residential building. However, after just a few years, it was converted into an office building. Due to technical problems, the building has been empty since 2013. City officials have been working on its future for a long time. The main deficiencies include a non-functional façade and inadequate safety parameters. The escape routes, for example, are problematic.

Last October, the city council ultimately announced its intention to sell the building. Two interested parties submitted offers. In April of this year, the council approved that negotiations could begin with the selected company.