The tenement house at 86 Jedności Narodowej Street in Wrocław is almost as beautiful as it was over 100 years ago. This historic property has recently undergone a comprehensive renovation of its façade, which was completed in autumn 2025. The project was carried out on the initiative of the residents’ association and the property managers, with the involvement of the city. The result is stunning! It has brought out the building’s long-hidden beauty and the full richness of its architectural details.
Jedności Narodowej 86 – a house from the early 20th century
The building’s history dates back to 1905–1906. It was then that an exceptionally grand tenement house was built on a plot belonging to Joseph Klinker. The design was prepared by architect Paul Scholz, working in collaboration with master mason Ernst Haenfler. The turn of the 19th and 20th centuries was a period of intense development for the Odrzańskie Suburb, which at that time transformed from a predominantly working-class neighbourhood into an elegant part of what was then Breslau. From the very beginning, the developer Klinkert had a clear vision for his property: it was to be impressive. The plot’s location on the sharp corner of two streets meant that the building’s form became a dominant feature, attracting attention from many directions. It was a level of prestige that few could afford.
Eclectic form and rich detail
The tenement house at 86 Jedności Narodowej Street (Matthiasstraße in the early 20th century) boasted a magnificent, elaborate composition. The characteristic bay window here gave way to an octagonal tower topped with a cupola. The side façades, in turn, had a fairly symmetrical layout with balconies and high gables. The whole was embellished with a rich array of decorations. The building’s style was based on eclecticism, with visible references to, amongst others, Art Nouveau and the Baroque. Stucco work, balcony balustrades and ornaments created a composition that was very pleasing to the eye. The interiors were fitted out with spacious flats, whilst the ground floor was filled with shop windows. The property clearly emphasised the owner’s prestige and the status of the entire neighbourhood.
The tenement house then and now. Photo: Wrocław – Inwestycje Budowlane
Jedności Narodowej 86 and its history
Despite the massive destruction that befell Wrocław during the Second World War, the tenement house survived virtually intact. Its surroundings, however, were less fortunate, and many damaged buildings were replaced with temporary structures. The building at 86 Jedności Narodowej later shared the fate of much of Wrocław’s pre-war architecture, falling into disrepair over the years without any major renovation. The colours had faded and disappeared beneath a layer of grime, and the plaster was falling off in large chunks, still bearing numerous traces from the siege of Festung Breslau. Despite this sorry state, the building did not lose its status as one of the most impressive tenement houses in the Odrzańskie Suburb.
Renovation of the Wrocław landmark
The tenement house had been awaiting façade renovation for 80 years. The work was completed in 2025 and involved the restoration of the interior décor, the renovation of the plasterwork and balconies, and the restoration of the historic colour scheme, as determined during research. However, the only thing missing for complete satisfaction is the standardisation of the joinery, the inconsistency of which is particularly striking on the bay window. The cost of the project amounted to approximately 1 million zlotys. The city covered a portion of the expenses corresponding to its 39 per cent share in the property. The renovation was carried out by the residents’ association and the property managers, Atena and HJW.
Source:wroclaw.pl
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