Was it truly a step forward? The J\u00f3zsef Attila-lak\u00f3telep stands as a testament to Budapest’s housing policies. It reflects the city’s transformation in the mid-20th century. This is a place where history is etched into every building.
The J\u00f3zsef Attila-lak\u00f3telep is located in the IX district of Budapest. It is often shortened to JALT. Construction started in 1957. It continued in phases until 1981. The goal was to replace the slums. These slums had emerged after World War I. They were built on land that once hosted horse races. Later it became a military shooting range.
Before the J\u00f3zsef Attila-lak\u00f3telep, the area was called M\u00e1ria Val\u00e9ria-telep. This was a settlement of barrack-like dwellings. These barracks were originally built as hospital barracks in 1915. After the war, they were converted into makeshift housing. Conditions were dire. A single WC and shower served each building.
Even after brick houses were built between 1940 and 1942, poverty persisted. A shantytown emerged. It housed those who could not afford even the low rents of M\u00e1ria Val\u00e9ria-telep. The J\u00f3zsef Attila-lak\u00f3telep aimed to eradicate these conditions.
Mester \u00c1rp\u00e1d designed the J\u00f3zsef Attila-lak\u00f3telep. Construction occurred in stages between 1957 and 1967. It then continued from 1979 to 1981. The final stage involved demolishing buildings along \u00dcll\u0151i \u00fat. This included a small chapel at the corner of P\u00f6tty\u00f6s utca.
Panel buildings replaced these structures. This broke the architectural style. Some ten-story buildings were erected in P\u00f6tty\u00f6s utca. These can be seen near the cinema. Apartments were allocated based on need. Priority was given to those in overcrowded or dilapidated housing. Families with many children also received preference.
The architectural evolution reflects the K\u00e1d\u00e1r era. It shows the development of mass housing construction. Early buildings used brick blocks and cinder blocks. Later constructions included monoblock designs. There were also experimental large-panel buildings. The first residents moved in 1959. In 1961, the new district was named after poet J\u00f3zsef Attila. By 1981, 8,500 apartments were completed.
The J\u00f3zsef Attila-lak\u00f3telep is divided into five distinct residential areas. Each had its own crèche, kindergarten, school, and shopping center. In the 1960s, Hungary’s largest ABC department store opened here. It stood at the corner of Napf\u00e9ny and Lobog\u00f3 streets. Today, a Spar supermarket operates in its place.
Opposite the ABC was the Ez\u00fcst Sir\u00e1ly. It was a “catering industry combine”. It included a confectionery, an espresso with music and dancing, and a beer garden. It also featured a gypsy music restaurant. There was even a palm garden with entertainment. Today, a Lidl discount store occupies the site. The Pest-Buda cinema opened in 1973. It now serves as a Greek cultural center.
The D\u00e9si Huber Cultural Center still operates. The Toronyh\u00e1z utca party headquarters served as a venue for school events. The Ez\u00fcst Sir\u00e1ly, Attila restaurant, and Torony bistro provided catering services. The Attila espresso retained its original look until 2014. The Torony operated as a beer bar and self-service restaurant until 2012.
Today, J\u00f3zsef Attila-lak\u00f3telep continues to evolve. It balances preserving its past with modern needs. It stands as a microcosm of Budapest’s 20th-century history.