Surpassing the past
Developer Lilium is planning to construct a 250-meter tower in the heart of Warsaw. If the project receives the blessing of Warsaw's authorities, it could become the first building in the capital to surpass the height of the iconic 237-meter Palace of Culture and Science (PKiN).
Lilium's skyscraper has a competitor vying to tower over the Palace, however. Chmielna Development's as-yet-unnamed skyscraper project is aiming at a height of 282 meters, which would make it one of the tallest buildings in Europe. Neither project has received a go-ahead from Warsaw's authorities, but the developers are optimistic.
"We can expect more such buildings in Warsaw in the future. Developers seem to be proposing projects that they have had on their minds for some time, but which seem more feasible today, when the current city authorities are well disposed towards high-rise architecture," said Paweł Grząbka, managing director of CEE Property Group, a real estate consultancy.
"My feeling is that once the authorities have approved of one such project, we could have something of a snowball effect," he added.
Lilium, a single-purpose company set up by Israeli developer BSR along with investment funds from Luxembourg and the Netherlands, bought the plot along with the Marriott hotel for zł.430 million last year. It is currently applying for a ruling on conditions for development and hopes to start construction work in the fourth quarter of 2008. The investment will be located at the intersection of ul. Chałubińskiego and Al. Jerozolimskie, next to the Marriott building and opposite the Central Station.
A preliminary design of the building, selected via an international architectural competition, has been prepared by the world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. It envisions an oblong, four-winged glass structure with 70 storeys, standing in the center of a newly-constructed square. In order to obtain the necessary space, a portion of the Marriott building's lower level will be demolished.
The tower is expected to primarily offer residential space, but will also house a hotel, spa center, swimming pool and restaurants. If approved by the city authorities, the building could be completed in 2012.
