ANTRACIT is keeping up a brisk pace: it has signed a contract with the Berlin-based firm Kuehn Malvezzi for the PALACE renovation project

The transformation of the iconic former PALACE Hotel complex, one of Ostrava’s most significant architectural landmarks, continues apace. Just a few months after the results of the international architectural and urban planning competition were announced, and a few weeks after receiving the completed architectural study, the ANTRACIT development group—part of the PURPOSIA Group—signed a follow-up contract for the next phase of design work. The authors of the winning design—the Berlin-based studio Kuehn Malvezzi—have been directly commissioned to prepare the project documentation, which guarantees design continuity and uncompromising quality throughout the entire project. The signing of the contract also outlines the schedule: following demolition and archaeological work throughout 2027, the actual restoration of the historic section—including rental housing, a shopping arcade, and underground parking garages—is set to begin in early 2028. The entire project will be carried out in phases, with full completion scheduled for 2031. Despite its current condition, however, PALACE is already coming to life ahead of its renovation and is opening its doors to the public through cultural and social events.

“Since the announcement of the international architectural competition, we haven’t let the project stall for a moment. We immediately followed up the architectural competition by preparing a feasibility study, and today we already have a signed contract for the documentation required for the project approval and subsequent design work. While the architectural study examined the operation of the entire block in detail and specified its capacities, the project documentation is now a detailed technical ‘construction manual.’ In it, we will translate the architectural visions into precise technical details. “We have a lot of painstaking work ahead of us—work that is invisible to the public—which must be completed before a building permit is issued and construction equipment arrives,” explains Jan Hasík, managing director of the ANTRACIT development group and CEO of PURPOSIA Group.

THE PALACE RENOVATION WILL BEGIN WITH THE HISTORIC SECTION: RENTAL APARTMENTS AND A SHOPPING ARCADE WILL BE THE FIRST TO BE BUILT

Immediately after the necessary site preparation, construction will focus on the renovation of the historic building that once housed a hotel. The first elements to take shape will be the new rental apartments, a vibrant urban arcade on the ground floor, and underground parking garages. The specific sequence of individual steps and the final timeline will be gradually refined based on the progress of permitting processes, demolition work, archaeological surveys, and the actual progress of construction. Detailed design work has just begun. Physical work on the construction site—namely, demolition and site preparation—will begin in the second half of 2027. This will be seamlessly followed by the first phase of construction, which includes the aforementioned residential section, the arcade, and the parking garage. This phase is expected to be completed by 2030.

THE FUTURE OF PALACE: HOUSING, CULTURE, AND A VIBRANT PUBLIC SPACE

PALACE will be transformed into an open, walk-through city block that elegantly connects 28. října Street with the inner courtyard. The project is based on the “city within a city” concept, emphasizing an active ground level, excellent accessibility, and all-day usability for both residents and the public. The architectural study has translated these visions into specific functions and clearly defined everything the revitalized block will offer: Modern rental housing with community amenities: 89 rental apartments will be created in the historic section. Facilities will include a two-story library, a two-story fitness center, a shared laundry room, rooftop gardens, and a communal viewing area for residents on the top floor. A vibrant dining cluster & urban arcade: The ground floor will feature a restaurant, smaller dining concepts, and retail spaces connected by a walk-through arcade leading to a green courtyard. The Return of the Legendary Deininger Hall: The restored hall, dating from 1913, with a flexible layout and a capacity of up to 350 people, will serve as a venue for a wide range of social and cultural events. Recording studio in the iconic Boccaccio: The legendary basement spaces will be transformed into a recording studio and creative hub for artists. Lifestyle hotel: A standalone new building in the courtyard with 126 rooms.

PALACE OPENS TO THE PUBLIC TODAY

Although construction work is just beginning, the PALACE is far from empty even now. The ANTRACIT Group, together with its parent company, the PURPOSIA Group, has hosted events such as the One World Festival, Meat Design, and events as part of the Ostrava Days of New Music in these historic spaces. The high level of interest is also consistently confirmed by guided tours organized by the Fiducia club. “We approach the transformation of PALACE with respect and view it as a commitment to the entire city. High-quality development must be carried out with sensitivity to history, but at the same time with openness to the needs of Ostrava today and in the future. For us, PALACE is not a closed-off construction site, but a living space. That is why we are already opening the space to the public and the cultural community—we want Ostrava to live with this project and be a direct part of its story from the very first steps through to completion,” says Zuzana Bajgarová, director of ANTRACIT.

Media contact: Michaela Dvořáková / +420 732 372 424 / michaela.dvorakova@antracit.eu / www.antracit.eu