Bud. nr 1

Did the walls of Bud. nr 1 always whisper such tales? This striking neo-Renaissance building at Złota 1 has seen a century of Warsaw’s history unfold. Originally the National Savings Bank, also known as the Loan Bank of Warsaw Industrialists, Bud. nr 1 stands as a survivor. It weathered the storms of war that ravaged the surrounding area, a proud “ostaniec” amidst the modern landscape. Imagine the opulence of its early days, between 1895 and 1901, when architect Stefan Szyller designed its ornate facade. Picture the grand interiors, the soaring windows connecting the ground and second floors, where the bank’s business bustled. The third floor, illuminated by a row of semicircular windows, housed offices and a hidden vault, a sanctuary of finance. In the courtyards, apartments provided a more domestic scene. Every detail, from the elaborate attic sculpture by Zygmunt Otto, representing “Labor and Thrift”, to the very stones, spoke of prosperity. During the interwar period, a neon sign proclaimed, “Poles, enrich yourselves!” A message of hope in uncertain times. Bud. nr 1 endured damage during World War II. Yet, it was resurrected in the early 1950s, repurposed for office use. Years of neglect followed, leaving the building empty and decaying. But within those walls, remnants of its former glory persisted. Wrought iron railings, ornate chandeliers, stucco decorations, and two ceiling paintings on the staircase whispered of its opulent past. Even after two world wars and over a century of wear, Bud. nr 1 still commands attention. In 2000, Relax Film purchased the building, envisioning a modern office space with a two-story underground parking garage. A controversial rooftop addition arose, disrupting the city’s skyline and sparking debate. Today, Bud. nr 1 remains empty, a canvas for graffiti and a poignant reminder of unfulfilled potential. Will this architectural gem find new life, reclaiming its place as a true ornament of Warsaw?