Prague: The renovation of the Platýz Palace will be completed in August

Prague - The renovation of the Platýz Palace in the center of Prague is nearing completion, with the work expected to be finished in August. Builders have already replaced the roof covering, secured the ceilings, and added thermal insulation. They are now refurbishing the windows and laying flooring and tiles. The renovated building will feature ten new high-standard apartments, Pavel Klega (ODS) announced today in a press release to ČTK.
    "With the reconstruction of the northern wing of the Platýz, we aimed to ensure a more dignified use of the historical spaces that in the past served as offices and have undergone many insensitive modifications," Klega stated. Most of the construction elements and the distribution of utility networks were at the end of their lifespan, Klega added. Workers have been repairing the northern wing, which adjoins Uhelný trh and is the oldest part of the palace, since last August. Costs are expected to be around 54 million crowns.
    The construction company first removed the original roof, repaired the trusses, and built a new insulated one with tile covering. Workers reinforced both reinforced concrete and wooden beams in the ceilings, poured floors, added thermal insulation, and installed water, heating, and sewage systems. "As part of the ongoing modernization of the staircase areas, a new modern elevator is being installed, and all other apartments on this staircase will receive new entrance doors," Klega added.
    Non-original modern elements that, according to Klega, disfigured the palace are being removed from the building. In contrast, the city wants to restore historical artifacts, such as a bust on the staircase or travertine cladding. "Restorers are also expertly treating the ornate beam ceiling with original Renaissance ornamental and figurative painting on the fourth floor, as well as the wall paintings from the 17th century one floor below," stated Bohumil Mach, general director of Trade Centre Prague, which manages the building. Heritage conservationists are overseeing the repairs.
    The building will house ten new apartments ranging from 100 to 180 square meters, which will be rented at market rates. The city hall aims to prevent depopulation of the center through this step. "The classicist reconstruction in the 1930s adapted the building for modern living and commerce by architect František Krásný," Klega mentioned. Historical documents suggest that Platýz was the first apartment building in Prague. The city expects that renovations of the palace will continue in the areas of two other staircases in the future.
    The palace was founded in the mid-14th century by a courtier of Charles IV, Prince Friedrich of Burgundy, on the site of three original houses right next to the city wall. Baroque elements were added to the house by the Šternbergs in the 17th century. In 1813, it was purchased by Knight František Daubke, who converted the building into an apartment house. The last modifications were made by the Slavia Bank between 1938 and 1939.
    In the past, the building housed craftsmen's workshops and an inn. From that time originates the little owl that symbolized whether there was availability at the inn or not. People can still see the owl upon entering from Národní třída.