In the dilapidated Kovák hostel in Chrastava, there will be apartments for seniors

Chrastava – The dilapidated Kovák dormitory in Chrastava, Liberec region, is to be converted by its new owner into a residential care home. Costs are estimated at 30 million crowns. However, according to Mayor Michael Canov (Mayors for the Liberec Region), this is likely not enough. The building has been empty for ten years, deteriorating, and posing a threat to the surroundings, the mayor told ČTK today. The city has been trying for several years to demolish the building. However, the regional office in Liberec has repeatedly annulled the demolition decision of the Chrastava building authority.

The Kovák dormitory, built in the 1970s, was intended for apprentices of the then Chrastava-based company Elitex. In the mid-1990s, the building was acquired by Prague businessman Radim Urban, who transformed it into a dormitory. At times, it housed up to 200 people, although the capacity was less than half of that. Due to inadequate conditions, the building had to be vacated at the beginning of 2010. The owner then attempted to sell it unsuccessfully. Three years ago, he proposed a project to convert the dilapidated building into small flats. However, the councilors rejected the 27 million crown project. They did not believe that it would not again become a dormitory.

Now, the dilapidated building on Nádražní Street has been purchased by the ADVEDO company of Liberec entrepreneur Pavel Dolejš. He intends to build 20 apartments for seniors in the building and add two more floors, where an additional 30 small apartments would be created. However, according to Canov, this may not be so straightforward. He stated that the reinforced concrete skeleton of the building is not in good condition, and the zoning plan does not allow for buildings taller than 15 meters, while Kovák already exceeds this limit by two meters. "Any increase of the building by two more floors would thus have to be approved by the councilors," said Canov.

The new owner has assured the city leadership that he does not wish to convert the building back into a dormitory and does not plan to accommodate foreign workers there. "All investments will be made in accordance with the planned construction of the city. I intend to utilize a specific state grant program," Dolejš stated in his business plan. He aims to transform the area around the building into a quiet zone, with non-residential spaces adjacent to the Kovák building intended for public use. There could be, for example, a café, doctor's offices, or spaces for social and public services. Dolejš hopes to start preparatory work still at the end of this year, with actual construction taking two years.

If the project were successfully realized, it would, according to Canov, be a benefit for the city. However, he is skeptical about this due to the condition of the building.