From the birthplace of Porsche in Vratislavice, only the walls remain

Vratislavice nad Nisou (Liberec) - The reconstruction of the birthplace of automotive designer Ferdinand Porsche in Liberec-Vratislavice has turned into demolition. Only the perimeter walls on the sides and back remain up to the height of the first floor. The house has been owned by Škoda Auto since 2011, and the company's statement is being verified by ČTK.
    Two months ago, Škoda Auto stated that the house would have the appearance it had around 1880, during Porsche's youth. However, the method of reconstruction does not please the supporters of the genius designer. "I am disappointed. If they flatten the house like this and build a new one, they can only put up a sign: Here stood Porsche's birthplace. It will have nothing in common with the original," said Milan Bumba, president of the Porsche Classic Club of the Czech Republic, to ČTK. The club has been organizing Porsche car meetings since 1985.
    The reconstruction of the house, which is not a protected monument, began in September. It is expected to be completed by the summer of next year. The house will have a front garden, an indicated front entrance, and a number of historical elements, Barbora Bartošová from Škoda Auto's communication department previously told ČTK. An exhibition is to be created in the house, which will not focus only on Porsche. "The goal is to create a decent place where connections and the roots of engineering in the Czech lands will be shown, including references to famous Czech designers and industrialists," Bartošová stated at that time. Škoda also wants to introduce tourists to visions for the future development of the automotive industry. A low annex with technical facilities is also to be built next to the house.
    The automotive designer was born in Vratislavice on September 3, 1875, and lived there until the age of 18. Porsche is primarily known as the creator of the legendary "Beetle." However, some residents of Vratislavice do not believe that the designer should be celebrated. During the war, he collaborated with the Nazis. Currently, Porsche is only commemorated in Vratislavice by an exhibition in the automobile museum in the brewery complex. It focuses on vehicles with rear engines that are somehow technically connected to the design of the Volkswagen Type 1, known as the Beetle. Škoda Auto removed the memorial plaque from Porsche's birthplace as part of the reconstruction. As a result of disputes over whether the German designer should be celebrated or condemned, Porsche's exhibition at the cultural center in Vratislavice had already been closed earlier. The municipal district also removed any mention of Vratislavice as the designer's birthplace from the welcome signs at the city entrance.