WBJ: To begin, could you provide an overview of the Towarowa22 project and its significance for Warsaw?
wbj: To begin, could you provide an overview of the Towarowa22 project and its significance for Warsaw?
Sebastian Kieć: Towarowa22 is a landmark development situated in Warsaw's Wola district, encompassing a 6.5-hectare area that was once home to a printing plant. Our vision is to create a vibrant, mixed-use urban quarter that seamlessly integrates residential, commercial, and public spaces. The project aims to redefine urban living by offering a harmonious blend of modern architecture, green spaces, and cultural heritage.
Towarowa22 emphasizes a strong city-forming aspect. How does your project contribute to the urban fabric of Warsaw?
Rafał Mazurczak: Towarowa22 is designed to be more than just a collection of buildings; it's envisioned as a dynamic urban ecosystem. By reintroducing a pre-war grid street plan, and creating pedestrian pathways, we're knitting this development back into the city's historical context. The inclusion of retail spaces, gastronomy, and cultural venues at street level will foster community interaction and make this area a destination in its own right. Our goal is to create a space where people can live, work, and socialize, thereby enhancing the city's vibrancy.
SK: It is also important to emphasize that Towarowa22, as one of the biggest mixed-use project currently under construction, aligns with Warsaw’s strategic development plans. Our project is fully consistent with the local zoning plan for this part of the capital city.
Greenery appears to be a central element of Towarowa22. Could you elaborate on the project's approach to integrating green spaces?
Dawid Wrona: Central to our design is the creation of a public park, featuring lush landscaping and incorporating elements of the site's industrial past, such as the historic pavilion of Dom Słowa Polskiego. Our residential buildings are designed to maximize views of the park, with features like large balconies and winter gardens. At the same time, the park’s greenery seamlessly extends into shared spaces, such as patios, making the buildings an integral part of both the park and the entire development. This approach creates a harmonious living environment filled with nature.
RM: This green approach will also be evident in every office building within the Towarowa22. For example, in the Office House, which we will be delivering this spring, green loggias and a rooftop terrace strengthen the connection to nature, fostering well-being for office employees.
Speaking of the Office House, could you provide more details about this building?
SK: Office House is the first building within the Towarowa22 project, offering 32,000 sq m of office and retail space. The building is being constructed to meet the highest environmental standards, aiming for BREEAM 'Outstanding' certification, as well as WELL, WiredScore, and SmartScore certifications. Its strategic location, just a two-minute walk from the metro station, ensures excellent connectivity for tenants. No wonder that more than two-thirds of the building's space has already been leased, with advanced negotiations underway for the remaining areas.
Sustainability is a recurring theme in your descriptions. What specific eco-friendly practices are being implemented in Towarowa22?
RM: Sustainability is at the core of Towarowa22, reflecting the expectations of both users and investors. Office House, for instance, will be powered entirely by renewable energy, including on-site photovoltaic panels and heat recovery solutions. The building's three-layer glass facade is designed to optimize thermal efficiency, reducing the need for heating and cooling. These features not only minimize the environmental footprint but also create a healthier environment for occupants.
DW: In the M7 building, as in the entire Towarowa22 development, we prioritize innovative solutions, particularly in the areas of sustainable architecture and quality of life. We pay close attention to reducing energy consumption in the common areas of the property. From the design stage, it was crucial for us to use locally sourced and recycled materials to minimize the environmental footprint of the project as much as possible.
Towarowa22 also aims to preserve and celebrate the site's historical elements. How are you achieving this balance between heritage and modernity?
SK: Respecting the site's history is paramount in our design approach. For example, we will incorporate parts of the old printing plant, with trees growing through the preserved structures of former production halls. This fusion of old and new creates a unique atmosphere that honors the past while providing modern amenities.
RM: It is worth noting that all entities involved in the Towarowa22 project have extensive experience in revitalization projects. For example, Echo Investment Group has successfully delivered projects such as Warsaw Breweries or Fuzja in Łódź. Similarly, AFI Europe Poland has a strong track record in this field, having contributed to the transformation of places like Złota 83 and Bohema in Warsaw or Dajwór in Kraków. This expertise undoubtedly enables us to approach the development responsibly and realistically while preserving its historic legacy.
Could you share the current status of the Towarowa22 project and the timeline for its various phases?
SK: As Rafał mentioned, the construction of Office House is well underway, with completion expected in the second quarter of 2025. We are also at an advanced stage of formal and design preparations for the launch of construction on the first skyscraper within the project. Additionally, we are working on the development of the park which we aim to make available to the public as soon as possible.
DW: Simultaneously, we're developing the M7 residential building, which will offer 140 premium apartments under the Archicom Collection brand. This building is scheduled for completion in 2026. After obtaining the building permit, we plan to begin construction on another residential building within the next few months.
The residential component, particularly the M7 building, has garnered significant interest. What makes these apartments stand out in Warsaw's housing market?
DW: I can assure you that our sales results are a remarkable achievement, given the current housing market conditions, the specifics of the premium segment, and our maintained pricing level.
The M7 Apartments are designed for those seeking a premium urban lifestyle. In addition to living at the heart of the city while being surrounded by urban greenery, residents will have access to a spa zone, a cinema room, as well as a golf simulator and a Lamborghini driving simulator. A distinctive characteristic of our project will be its a private photography collection featuring works by Helmut Newton.
How has the collaboration between three developers and investors influenced the project’s vision and execution?
SK: Our partnership brings together a wealth of expertise in various aspects of real estate development. Each company contributes its unique strengths – AFI Europe’s international experience and specialization in large-scale commercial real estate; Echo Investment’s city-forming capabilities, and Archicom’s expertise in premium residential projects. This collaboration allows us to execute the project holistically, ensuring a well-balanced mix of uses, high design standards, and long-term value creation. By pooling our resources and knowledge, we are setting a new benchmark for large-scale urban development in Warsaw.
How would you briefly present Towarowa22 to international investors? What would make them fall in love with this place?
RM: International investors will be drawn to its prime location, state-of-the-art ESG credentials, and future-proof smart technologies. With its BREEAM 'Outstanding' and WELL certifications, excellent connectivity, and a visionary approach to urban regeneration, Towarowa22 represents not just a property investment, but a thriving, future-ready city hub.
Finally, what does Towarowa22 represent for Warsaw’s future?
SK: Towarowa22 is more than just a real estate project – it is a vision for the future of urban living. It blends heritage, sustainability, and modernity into a space that will enrich the lives of residents, workers, and visitors alike. This project is setting a new standard for city-forming developments, emphasizing community, green spaces, and smart urban solutions. Ultimately, Towarowa22 is not just about shaping buildings – it’s about shaping the future of Warsaw.
For More about Towarowa22 visit their
website
