“Caution Danger Overstaying risks injury and death.” That’s what the signs screamed not long ago around Dom Paprockich. But don’t worry. It is safe to be here now. Welcome to the Dom Paprockich.
This wooden house stands as a testament to a bygone era. It is located at 18 Biruty Street. Concrete and modern buildings surround it now. A hundred years ago, wooden buildings like Dom Paprockich dominated this area.
The Dom Paprockich is one of the last of its kind. This makes it a monument to history. It also showcases unusual architecture. We should not forget its former residents.
Antonina and Baltazar Paprocki, a married couple from Targówek, built it around 1912. They bought the property. The Dom Paprockich remained in their family until 1945. This two-story wooden building features two staircases. These are accessible from the courtyard. It contained rental apartments. The architectural style is unique. It is reminiscent of the Nadświdrzański style. Notice the varied wood cladding. Also note the accentuated corners. The high gable roof and delicate porches enhance its charm.
During the Warsaw Uprising in August 1944, the Dom Paprockich served as a field hospital. This shows its importance during a difficult time.
After 1945, the building was nationalized. It became a communal living space. After the construction of the Żaba roundabout in the years 1999–2000, its position changed. The Dom Paprockich became much closer to the busy road.
In 2021, the Dom Paprockich was entered into the register of monuments. It is a relic of Targówek’s old wooden buildings.
Fun fact. The Dom Paprockich even starred in a famous TV series called Alternatywy 4. Professor Ryszard Dąb-Rozwadowski lived here.
Many interesting people lived here over the years. These included graphic artist Jerzy Miller. Ballet master Jan Jakubowski also resided here. Klemens Markowski, a revolutionary activist, lived here. Also Stanislaw Wapowski, a pilot, was a resident. Czeslaw Osinski, a soldier who fought at Monte Cassino, once called this home.
The Dom Paprockich stands as a reminder of Warsaw’s past. It has survived wars. It has seen changes in the city. Today, activists and city councilors are working to preserve it. They recognize its historical value. It represents the wooden architecture of old Warsaw.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the Dom Paprockich. It is more than just a building. It is a symbol of Warsaw’s resilience. It is a reminder of the people who shaped its history.