The Mělník councilors approved the purchase of the historically protected Žilka Villa

Mělník - The Mělník city council today approved the purchase of the historically protected Žilka villa from a private owner. The price is approximately 15 million crowns, and all present coalition and opposition council members agreed. The use of the building will be discussed; it could serve, for example, Mělník associations as well as other organizations. There will be debates about this until the autumn municipal elections, and the final decision on its use will rest with the new council, said Mělník mayor Tomáš Martinec (ODS) at today's council meeting.

According to the mayor, the building does not currently require urgent construction interventions, and none of its parts are in a state of disrepair. Martinec wants to involve the public in the decision-making process regarding its use; according to him, there are numerous possibilities. "I am not at all afraid that the house will not be used," said the mayor.

The previous leadership of Mělník attempted to acquire the villa about nine years ago. At that time, it participated in an auction organized by the Office for the Representation of the State in Property Matters (ÚZSVM). The city council allocated a maximum amount of 6.6 million crowns for the auction, but it was won by a person who paid seven million crowns.

Žilka villa, also known as Villa Marie Neumannová, was built in 1906 in the style of Viennese Secession and is named after the first pastor of the Evangelical Church in Mělník, František Žilka, who also became its owner. It was designed by architect Bohumil Hypšman. It is located in the heritage-protected zone of the historical center of Mělník and gained heritage protection two years ago.