Ostrava will offer for sale the heritage-listed Grossmann Villa

Ostrava – Ostrava is offering the protected Grossmann Villa for sale to private investors. The city had planned a complete renovation of the villa, but a private buyer has come forward. The city councilors approved the intent to sell the property at their meeting today.

The typically inaccessible Grossmann Villa from 1923 is located on Na Zapadlém street, near the regional office in Ostrava. The property is owned by the city and has long been unused.

"This is a very significant and interesting property. A few years ago, a proposal was put forth to renovate the building, and project documentation started to be prepared," recalled Deputy Mayor Zuzana Bajgarová (ANO). The city wanted the building to be returned to its original state and for its historical elements, such as the dominant central staircase that was removed in the past, to be preserved after renovation.

"The goal was to renovate the building for social and cultural activities. There are several social lounges that can be utilized," said Bajgarová. After renovation, there were plans to include rooms for short-term accommodation in the building. The city also wanted to allow public tours of the historic building.

According to the deputy mayor, a valid building permit has currently been issued. "Then we received an unexpected application from a private entity regarding the acquisition of this property. We found that the request could be significantly similar to what the city wanted to implement at its own expense. We concluded that it is appropriate to check whether there is a private entity in the market that could realize the city's plan," the deputy mayor added.

Therefore, the city decided to try to offer the villa for sale. A condition will be that it is used in accordance with the city's expectations and is also open to the public. If an investor is found, they would have to utilize the completed documentation from the city, which they would purchase. Renovation should start within three months of purchase and be completed within 3.5 years. The city estimates the renovation costs to be more than 112 million crowns. If the city fails to find an investor, they will return to their original plan and aim to repair the villa at their own expense.

However, the opposition communists today refused to support the sale plan. "I think we should not give up on this significant cultural monument," stated councilor Josef Babka (KSČM). He reminded that in the past, there were discussions about the restoration of the villa being a joint project between the region and the city. He believes it would be appropriate to verify whether such an approach could be possible.

The villa was the family residence of Ostrava architect František Grossmann. It is built in the art deco style.