Gdańska Street, Bydgoszcz

History

Gdańska street was laid in the 1820s, following the old route leading to Gdańsk (parallel to Pomorska street). The creation of the street is associated with the expansion of the city to the north, which happened after 1816, when the city bought the land east of the route to Gdańsk. The thoroughfare has been designed as a straight line, 26 meters wide: the land on both sides was then divided into plots, which became the property of individuals. At the beginning suburbs were limited to the area delimited by the bridge on the Brda River, Gdańsk Gates, Carmelite Church (now Theatre Square) and the Old Church of the Holy Spirit (now Poor Clares' Church). The area has been the place where downtown townspeople used for their annual shooting competition, awarded by the "Golden Hen" badge". The first intersection in Gdańska street - with Dworcowa street and Pomorska street - is located at the medieval road fork leading to Koronowo.

The pace of urban center development to the north-west has increased from 1850 on, after the construction of Railway Main Station in Bocianowo district which became city area. Gdańska street quickly became a central representative thoroughfare, and developed as a new city (German: Neue Stadt).

Inextricably linked with the development of the street was the construction of cross and parallel streets, enabling Gdańska street to connect to downtown district (on the other side of Brda river), the Bocianowo district to the west, and Grodztwo, Bielawy and Forest ((Polish) Leśne) districts to the east. This network of adjacent streets was created between 1850 and the early years of the 20th century. The only surviving old streets lattice, dating back to the Middle Ages, consists of Focha, Jagiellońska, Dworcowa and Pomorska streets.

Important milestones in the evolution of Gdańska street were the setting up of Freedom Square (German: Weltzienplatz, Polish: Plac Wolności) in 1854, and Adam Mickiewicz Alley in 1903, since they particularly influenced sections of Gdańska street in these areas. On Freedom Square has been established consecutively: in 1876 the Evangelical parish church; in 1893 an equestrian statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I; and in 1904 a monumental fountain. After 1854, in the western part of the street -between Artyleryjska street and Powstańców Warszawy street- was created a training and shooting area, which resulted in the development of the so-called "Barracks area". In 1861, the newly built Warsaw-Bydgoszcz railway line crossed Gdańska street at Artyleryjska street, cutting off those military areas and putting a provisional end to the northern extension. It was only in the 1930s, after a level crossing had been established, that further developments towards Forest district could resume.

Street attractiveness declined after World War II. After 1996, a gradual revitalization began. In 1998, initial sections of the street (from downtown to Freedom Square) had their car traffic significantly reduced. In 2002–2007, a modernization of the pavement was performed, as well as roads and streetcar railways, and stylish lighting has been installed. Continuous work is also underway to restore buildings facades and interiors. In 2005 and 2006, two sculptures by Michał Kubiak were unveiled: "The Wanderer" and "Marian Rejewski on a bench".

Naming

Since Gdańska Street was formed in two steps, it had originally two names. Its primary section - from Brda river to Dworcowa street - dating back to the 14th century, was called Gdańska street (German: Danziger Straße), while the extension that started in 1820 was named Road of Gdańsk (Polish: Szosa Gdańska, German: Danziger Chaussee). Later, with urban development, Gdańska street was the denomination of subsequent extensions (in 1879 it stretched to Warsaw Uprising street intersection). In 1977, the street reached its current administrative length and borders, and therefore "Gdańska street" indicates now the road leading from Bydgoszcz Old Town up to the northern boundary of the city.

Successive names of the street in its historic section are as follows:* 1820-1920 – Danzigerstraße / Danziger Chaussee; 1920-1939 – Gdańska street; 1939-1945 – Adolf-Hitler-Straße; 1945-1990 – 1 May Avenue, and since 1990 – Gdańska street.

Tract division

Once Gdańska street set up, the land situated on both sides has been divided into plots and sold to individuals. Probably most of the plots all the way to Świętojańskia street, has been drawn around the 1850s and their limits are still the same today. The parcelling process of properties on Gdańska street and their numbering was finally completed in February 1931, followed by the administrative imposition for even-numbered (eastern side) and odd ones (on the west). Between 1879 and 1931, 169 numbers were registered and since 1931, 190 are in use in total. Following adjustments were related to the further development of the street to the north, especially on the eastern side. Currently, the highest administrative number is 260, corresponding to the Forest district ("Myślęcinek") area.

Development of buildings and means of communication

The origins of road construction dates back to 1448, when were erected the buildings of the Old Church and Hospital of the Holy Spirit (now Poor Clares' Church), just on the immediate northern side of the river. In 1615, the Church of Rome took over the Order of Saint Clare, which had a significant impact on the Poor Clares' Church architecture: until the mid-17th century, the building was redesigned in the late Gothic - Renaissance style and the sublime monastery's cloister connected with the temple. At the end of the 18th century, there were several residential buildings along Gdańska street: in addition to the Church, an inn was standing at the crossroads with the road to Koronowo and Świecie. In 1816, Gliszczyński family established another inn at the location of the current Hotel "Pod Orlem".

The rapid development of building frontage along the entire length of Gdańska street took place after 1835. Around 1860, edifices extended up to the crossing with Śniadeckich street, then in 1870 up to the Świętojański street, while basic, core building across Kamienna street -where there was a level crossing- was established in 1890.

After 1900 were built the first large buildings in the northern part of the street including: Water Supply station (1899-1900); War College building (1913-1914); buildings within the newly created Forest dictrict (Polish: Osiedle Leśne) after 1933, like houses at N°208 to 238. In the 1950s, new buildings in Osiedle Leśne have been constructed, such as the "Zawisza" WKS sports complex.

In 1860, the street began to be illuminated with gas lanterns, and with electric lights since 1900. Street on the entire length of the road had paved surfaces, separating curbs, along with a tree line. The sidewalks were laid from granite boards. On May 18, 1888, was launched a horsepowered tram , along the so-called "Red" line (from Theatre Square to Dworcowa street) and in 1892 a second line, "Green", has been launched (along the entire length of Gdańska street to the artillery barracks). Trams were electrified in 1896, and in 1937, in connection with the creation of the district Forest, a bus line has been launched.

In 1932, with the construction of Polish Coal Trunk-Line, a viaduct has been built over the railway (named after J. Święcicki), has been rebuilt in 1968 and 2006, and the level crossing was closed. In 1989, a viaduct was built for the tram and a tram terminal set up in the immediate vicinity of the Forest Park of Culture and Leisure, at the intersection with Rekreacyjna street. In 2012 first contraflow lanes for cyclists have appeared in Gdańska street.

Architecture

The architectural landscape of Gdańska street has remained unchanged for over 150 years. Be that as it may, the lengthy construction process made the ensemble of the whole street much diversified. Adjacent houses, hence, generally come from different eras, with different scales and styles. Originally sections up to Świętojańska street consisted mainly of tenements for rent, and further north were reserved plots for construction of grander buildings with front-garden. Between 1890 and 1914 a significant increased number of grandiose buildings were constructed including: nine grand habitation houses, at N°16, 27, 30, 34, 51, 55, 63, 62 and 95; and several reconstructed or built villas for rich industrialists and bureaucrats, like at N°48 & 50, with dominant architectural importance.

Until the end of the 19th century, the predominant style was Neo-Classicism: tenements were built with simple, symmetrical facades and usually modest decoration. In the last quarter of the 19th century, classicism forms were tinged with Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Gothic and Neo-Baroque elements.

Between 1885 and 1898, Bydgoszcz's architect Józef Święcicki built 21 edifices along Gdańska street, and associated Eclecticism with different new styles: some of his projects permanently etched the street landscape with Neo-Baroque designs, such as N° 14, 36, 63, or Freedom Square N°1. Best instance is Hotel "Pod Orlem" at Gdańska street N°1 which is now a real showcase of Bydgoszcz's architecture.

At the beginning of the 20th century, houses were built following German Historicism, pioneering architecture style. As such, specific architects possessed their own characteristics: Fritz Weidner represented the picturesque current; Rudolf Kern, the German Secession; Alfred Schleusener and Paul Sellner the early Modern Architecture.

Houses built in the 1930s in the northern part of the street follows so-called International Style with simple cubic lumps, like Jan Kossowski's works. After World War II, building architecture was styleless, as displayed in the features from this period: Supermarket "Ryval" (1971-1973) at N°47 or three typical houses at N°23, 53 & 76. Three new edifices have been erected between 1990 and 2005 in Gdańska Street, N°121, 125 & 139, none of which fits into a proper style regarding the surrounding buildings.

At the eve of the 20th century, several architecturally interesting buildings, referring to Eclecticism and Art Nouveau, rose in the network of adjacent streets buildings. Such realizations can be found mainly in following places: Krasinski St., Słowacki St., Adam Mickiewicz Alley, Cieszkowski Street, Paderewski St., Weyssenhoff Square, 20 January 1920 St. and partly in buildings around Świętojański St., Zamoyski St. and Chodkiewicz St.

Social Role

The role of Gdańska Street, till 1850, was principally that of a means of communication; after this date, it became a representative, bourgeois area and the expanding axis of downtown Bydgoszcz. The buildings giving onto the street have been housing a mix of wealthy representative officials, manufacturers and traders of different professions, whereas craftsmen and laborers lived in the outbuildings and more modest homes. Habitation ground floors were generally designed to house commercial or catering service.

The area of Gdańska Street soon experienced a booming trade expansion: craft workshops developed -20 tailors and 25 shoemakers were referenced in the street at the end of the 19th century, as well as small industry and gastronomy. Nonetheless, the street did not suffer from any rapid industrialization process: very few companies (with the exception of G. Rady's factory of artistic metalwork in 1896) did build typical factory buildings on this axis. The only companies operating in the area were quite modest and housed in buildings backyards.

The shop on Gdańska street which has the longest history is the pharmacy "Under the Swan", located at N°5 since 1853. At the beginning of the 20th century department stores began to appear: in 1910, Modehaus Bromberg lasted a couple of years in 1911, Department Store "Kaufhaus Conitzer & Söhne"; in 1919, Boniface Cyrus shop. At the beginning of the 20th century, the street was also the address of 5 banks seat.

Gdańska Street had also an important role in catering and entertainment business. During the 19th century and first half of the 20th century, it was the venue of restaurants and cafés for wealthy people, locations for modest retailshops, brasseries, as well as concert halls, hotels, theaters, cinemas. The street also housed the first seat of Provincial and Municipal Public Library at N°27.

Street Festival

Each September, since 2002, the "Gdańska Street Festival" ((Polish) Święto Ulicy Gdańskiej) is the time for outdoor events, concerts and competitions held in different places and buildings along the street. The main organizer of the event is Bydgoszcz's branch of Gazeta Wyborcza.

The street today

Gdańska Street is 7.3 kilometers long, with a 2 km long stylish houses section, and 1.5 km away to the north the city's barracks and the forest district. In fact the 3.8 km long stretch of road located north of the railway viaduct has a completely different character from the urbanized one, between Gdańsk forest and the Culture and Leisure Forest Park. On the northern outskirts of the city, the street climbs up the 45-meter high Fordoński rising.

Along Gdańska street one will find: three churches; four museums (District museum, Pharmacy museum, Museum of the Army and Sports museum); concert halls (Academy of Music, "Club Mózg") and the seat of Radio PIK; the oldest hotel of the city (Hotel "Pod Orlem"); one of the oldest department stores, the Department Store "Jedynak" built on the like of Berlin and Paris department stores at the beginning of the 20th century; landscape architecture, including "Marian Rejewski on a bench" and "The Wanderer", as well as two sculptures created with dead trees Woman in pigeons at N°30 and As soon as we play at the intersection of Gdańska St. and Słowacki Street. A third sculpture, "The Awakening elves", can be found right in Jan Kochanowski Park near Adam Mickiewicz Alley: a modern shopping mall; the 5 villas and about 145 houses, 50 of which have richly decorated facades in styles referring to the Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Gothic, Neo-Baroque, German Historicism, Secession and Modern architecture; as well as the monumental military school building, the headquarters of Pomeranian Military District, the building that housed NATO Training Center from 2004 to 2010 and the Inspectorate for Logistic Armed Forces; an old water supply station from 1900; a group of military barracks from the second half of the 19th century; the largest sports complex in the city; the largest leisure city park in Poland (city park "Myślęcinek"); and the Honorary Consulate of Ukraine (at N°76).

Architecture

A walk through Gdańska Street and nearby areas gives an overview of styles and trends of last two centuries construction style. One-storey houses (representing suburban housing type) mix with two and three story tenements (close to 100 of them), as well as urban four and five story buildings and monumental buildings. More than 90% of the building in Gdańska Street dates back from before 1920. Half of them have been built or rebuilt in the years 1890-1914, when wealthy Bydgoszcz inhabitants put proudness in architecture, fashioning different styles, from Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Gothic, Neo-Baroque, to Secession and early Modern architecture.

Buildings along Gdańska Street are realizations of Bydgoszcz/Bromberg's most prominent architects, including: Joseph Święcicki (21 buildings, 20 still left); Fritz Weidner - 8 buildings; Rudolf Kern - 7 buildings; Karl Bergner - 5 buildings; Alfred Schleusener - 3 buildings; Carl Rose - 2 buildings; Paul Sellner - 2 buildings. Some of them were architects from Berlin, like Heinrich Seeling, Otto Walther or W. Hildebrandt.

In side streets, there are a large number of tenements constructed before 1914: over 30 tenements by Joseph Święcicki, 19 from Rudolf Kern, 14 from Fritz Weidner and a number of them by other builders (i.e. Karl Bergner, Paul Böhm, Erich Lindenburger).

Monuments

In 2007, 27 buildings located on Gdańska street were registered on the Pomeranian Heritage List.

The oldest preserved building is from the end of the 16th century - beginning of the 17th century: the Church of the Poor Clares. However, the vast majority of monuments comprises stylish townhouses have been built between 1880 and 1914.

Main edifices

The Poor Clares' Church, at N°2, corner with Jagiellońska street. Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list (N°601229 Reg.A/209), 31 March 1931 Built in 1582-1602 & 1618-1645. Gothic-Renaissance-Baroque. The oldest building in Gdańska Street, it has been used as a warehouse and a fire station during Prussian times.

The Max Zweininger Tenement, Focha Street N°2, built in 1901-1902, by Karl Bergner. Vienna Secession

The house was built for Max Zweininger, the owner of a famous hat manufactory in Bromberg, located on the square. In 1940, arcades have been added on a design by Jan Kossowski.

The Building of the District Museum, at N°4. Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list: N°601230, reg.A/278, 22nd Jan. 1953 and 12 May 1993. Built in 1550-1618, then rebuilt in 1878 by Alexander Lincke. Neo-Renaissance-Mannerism.

Originally part of the former monastery of the Poor Clares, the building has been used as a municipal hospital and has received an additional wing along the Gdańska street in 1878, with Renaissance Revival architecture and Mannerism style.

The August Mentzel Tenement, at N°5, built in 1853-1863 and 1909 by Rudolf Kern. Vienna Secession.

The ground floor of the building still houses one of the oldest pharmacies of Bydgoszcz, "Pod Łabędziem" (Under the Swan) and a Pharmacy Museum.

Drukarnia" shopping mall, at N°6/8. Built in 2007, by JSK Architects. Modern Architecture

At this location was located here one of the biggest printhouse in Poland.

The Tenement at N°7, 1860s. Historicism & Neoclassicism. The building has been erected for commercial purposes, especially allowing shopping room on the ground floor. Julius Musolff has been running a business since 1872 until World War I. Later on, P. Riemer was running a sports equipment shop.

The Tenement at N°9, 1875-1900: Eclecticism & Neoclassicism forms. In 1868, there was housed Kreski family's store and warehouses. At the time, it contained Bromberg's largest selection of porcelain and lamps. The shop closed at the end of the 1930s. The building also housed the photography workshop of Joop Theodor, one of the largest in the city. Theodor also had studios also in Gdańsk and Torun, running his own firm (Theodor Joop & Company). This workshop was later used by the photographer Lorenzo Basilius. From 1909 until to the end of the 1930s, "Centrala Optyczna", an optical shop run by Mr Zakaszewski was installed here, together with a fur shop in the 1920s. In 1945, the backyard of the tenement housed "Dekora", an art studio. The building is adorned with two niched statues on the first level of the facade representing feminine allegories of Trade and Industry.

The Ernst Mix Tenement, at N°10. Built in 1863-1905 and 1913-1914, by Fritz Weidner. Modern Architecture.

Originally a soap factory, it has, later on, housed a Department store and a movie theatre till 2003.

The Tenement at N°11, 1875-1900, by Joseph Święcicki. Eclecticism & Neoclassicism. In 1887 the then landlord, merchant Carl Walle had the house extended with a residential wing designed by architect Joseph Święcicki. Frontage style is a continuity of adjacent building (N°9), with adorned panels, friezes of angels and meander motifs.

The Tenement at N°12, ca. 1860. Historicism. The tenement is on the corner with Parkowa street.The facade has still got many preserved and diverse architectural details: delicately adorned bay window on the corner of the building, window pediments on the second floor and fake-column decoration on each side of first floor windows.

The Tenement at N°13, ca. 1850-1900. Neoclassicism. This plot near the intersection with Dworcowa Street belonged to the family Pawlikowski, who were hotelier in Bromberg in the second half of the 19th century. In 1882, Pawlikowski built an eclectic arrangement of building frontages, with reference to neoclassicism. One can notice the decoratively designed gate, the pediments above middle windows, the balcony with its adorned balustrade. The façade is crowned by a frieze with a rich decoration.

Hotel Pod Orłem, at N°14. Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list: N°601295-reg.90/A, 15 December 1974. Built in 1893-1896 and 1926, 1939, 1987, by Józef Święcicki. Eclectism & Neo-Baroque.

The oldest hotel in Bydgoszcz, still in business. It is now a 4-star rated facility.

Department Store "Jedynak", at N°15. Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list: N°601296-reg.87/A, 10 December 1971. Built in 1910-1911 by Otto Walter. Modern Architecture.

One of the first Department Store built in Bydgoszcz, it pioneered the use of reinforced concrete in a modern design.

The Emil Bernhardt tenement, at N°16. Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list: N°735497-reg.A/1558, 30 April 2010. Built in 1882-1884 by Carl Stampehl. Eclecticism.

Emil Bernhardt was the fouder of adjacent Hotel Pod Orłem at N°14.

The Alexander Timm House, at N°17; 1852, by B. Brinkmann, and 1910, by O.F.W. Muller. Eclecticism & Neoclassicism.

At the time of its erection, the largest habitation house in Bydgoszcz.

The Pomeranian Arts House, at N°20. Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list, N°601297-Reg.A/1116, 18 November 1993 Built in 1886-1887, by Gustaw Reichert, and renovated in 1908, and 1965. Style: German Historism

The building housed successively German cultural associations (1887-1939), Polish unions, Bydgoszcz Opera Music Theatre (1945-2006), the National School of Fine Arts (till 1982). Since 2006, it is owned by the Bydgoszcz Music Academy "Feliks Nowowiejski".

St Peter's and St Paul's Church, Freedom Square. Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list: N°601297-Reg.A/1116, 18 November 1993. Built in 1872-1878 by Friedrich Adler. Eclecticism, Neo-Gothic & Neo-Romanesque.

It was a Protestant church until 1945.

The Tenement at Freedom Square N°1, built in 1896-1898 by Józef Święcicki. Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list: N°601429-Reg.A/1041, October 20, 1990. Eclecticism & Neo-baroque.

One of the most iconic buildings in downtown Bydgoszcz by Święcicki.

The Tenement at N°22. Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list: N°601298-Reg.A/987, May 28, 1991. Built in 1850-1875 by Carl Stampehl and renovated in 1883. Eclecticism.

A renovation was conducted by architect Rudolf Kern from 1910 to 1911.

The Tenement at N°24, 1906-1907, by Rudolf Kern. Eclecticism. Although devoid of architectural motifs and decoration, the highly simplified shape of the building is a remnant of the one erected in the early 1900s by architect Rudolf Kern, on an order from investor Julius Berger. Originally, this five-storey tenement possessed rich Art Nouveau architectural details but has been heavily destroyed by a fire in 1945. The building housed the first Music Conservatoire of Bydgoszcz, founded in 1904 by Arnold Schattschneider.

The Tenement at N°25. Early 1870s. Eclecticism. The tenement at was first own by Carl Weißenborn, a judge: address was then Danzigerstraße 18.

Carl Meinhardt Tenement, at N°27, 1908-1909, by Alfred Schleusener, and renovated in 1974 and 2003. Modern architecture.

In 1934, a statue adorning the summit of the façade fell and killed two people. A major restoration of the building has been carried out in 2003.

Thomas Frankowski Tenement, at N°28. Built in 1897-1898 by Fritz Weidner. Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list: N°748678-Reg.A/1582, February 16, 2011 German historicism.

The house was commissioned by landlord Thomas Frankowski, a rentier. Architectural style displays forms of German historicism, in a transitional phase between the eclecticism and secession.

Tenement at N°29, 1880s. Eclecticism. The left part of the facade is adorned with a two-story bay window enclosed in pilasters and columns with Corinthian capitals. The building is topped by a cornice supported by massive corbels. At the end of the 19th century, George Sikorski ran its barber business there.

Oskar Ewald Tenement, at N°30, corner with Krasiński Street. Built in 1895-1896, by Józef Święcicki. Eclecticism.

The top floor housed originally Oskar Ewald's photographic studio.

George Sikorski Tenement, at N°31. Built in 1902-1903, by Fritz Weidner. German Historicism.

This building was commissioned by George Sikorski as a habitation house.

Hermann Berndt Tenement, at N°32

1880s, and 1910-1911 by Erich Lindenburger

Eclecticism & Neo-Renaissance

Hermann Berndt, a master carpenter owner of the plot had the original house built around 1881. He commissioned, in 1899, an expansion to the south, adding the gate and bay windows with loggias. The house was refitted again in 1910-1911, on a design by Erich Lindenburger, as requested by new landlord Leo Venske.

Tenement at N°33

Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list, N°601300-Reg.A/742, January 15, 1986. Built in 1876-1878. Eclecticism & Neo-Baroque. The facade is highly decorated, echoing in a way the facing building.

Tenement at Krasiński St.2

Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list, N°601371-Reg.A/1090, December 15, 1993 Built in 1912, by Franz Julius Knüpfer. Modern architecture. The house originally housed commercial premises on the ground floor.

Fritz Weidner tenement, at N°34, built in 1906, by Fritz Weidner. German Historicism.

The home of the architect Fritz Weidner from 1912 on.

Julius Grey house at N°35, 1887, by Hermann Lewandowski and 1909, by Rudolf Kern. Eclecticism.

Until 2003, the Cristal café with a typical Art Nouveau décor has been located here.

Theonia Reichhardt House at N°36. Built in 1875, by Józef Święcicki, then in 1898 renovated. Eclecticism & Neo-baroque.

In one of the cartouche above a balcony of the second floor, a letter R (for Reichhardt family) is apparent.

Tenement at N°37

1853, by Friedrich Meyer

Eclecticism

The building originally had only one storey at midsection, hence the presence of decoration on this level: rosette adornements with trefoil motifs. Before the building in 1924 was set a petrol station run by SA Gasoline in Lviv. The house underwent a thorough renovation in 2015-2016.

Tenement at N°38 built ca. 1905, by Józef Święcicki. Eclecticism. The architect Carl Rose, owner of the house around 1906, may have taken part to its design. The building shows atypical arrangement on the lower part of the facade, with high Corinthian half-columns and semicircular small balcony with a decorative wrought iron Latticework. The plot was used initially as a hothouse for the gardener of Stanisław Miaskowski, landlord of N°40.

Marian Rejewski Square, crossing with Śniadecki Street, 2005. This small green area has been named after Marian Rejewski, an eminent mathematician born in Bromberg on August 16, 1905. In 2005, Bydgoszcz municipality unveiled a memorial in this square to celebrate the centennial of Rejewski's birth. It resembles the Alan Turing Memorial in Manchester unveiled in 2001.

Stanisław Miaskowski House, at N°40. Built in 1852, by Trieb.

One of the oldest preserved in its original form on Gdańska Street.

Max Rosenthal Tenement, at N°42. Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list, N°601299-Reg.A/1059, August 26, 1996. Built in 1905-1906 by Fritz Weidner. German Historicism.

The house has been erected following a commission from the shipping investor (German: Spediteur) Max Rosenthal.

Villa Heinrich Dietz, at N°48. Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list, N°601301-Reg.A/1128/1-4, July 7, 1992 and September 29, 1998. Built in 1897-1898, by Heinrich Seeling. Eclecticism & Neo-Gothic

The villa is nicknamed Villa Flora,related to rich murals adorning of the gone loggia.

Tenement at N°49, 1880. Eclecticism. The house, at then Danzigerstraße 28, was built for a merchant, Henriette Kayka. She lived there till the end of the 19th century. In the 1920s, the house housed a restaurant, run by Edward Beidatsch.

This building, low compared to its neighbours, recalls others in downtown, built in the same time period, such as Gdańska street 37, 40 or Focha street 6. On the facade, the first level still retains some interesting features, like thin pediments and corbels. In addition, the main door shows exquisite wood carved motifs and pilasters with wrought iron elements.

Villa Wilhelm Blumwe, at N°50. Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list, N°601301-Reg.A/1128/1-4, July 7, 1992 and September 29, 1998. Built in 1900-1904 by Hildebrandt. Neo-Renaissance.

On top of the building facade stood from 1901 till 1940, an urn with Carl Blumwe's ashes, the father of the owner.

Carl Rose Tenement at N°51. Built in 1903-1904, by Carl Rose. Eclecticism & Art Nouveau.

The architect Carl Rose lived and worked there until 1920.

Robert Grundtmann Tenement, Słowacki Street N°1. Built in 1905-1906, by Alfred Schleusener. Modern architecture.

The building housed one of Bydgoszcz's most famous cafe: Cafe Metropol.

Tenement at N°52, 1876. Neo-Classicism. Eclecticism. The house was built for a gardener, Carl Berndt, also owner of N°54. The elevation features some delicate, architectural details: figures in the cartouche at the bottom of first and second floor windows, trianguler pediments and a slight avant-corps to underline the symmetry of the facade. The frontage underwent a thorough overhaul during summer 2016.

Tenement at N°54, 1876 by Ferdinand Wiese and Joseph Stark; 1926, by Paul Kuklinski. Eclecticism & Neo-Renaissance. The house was built for the gardener of Carl Berndt, owner of N°52. It has housed the Music School of Bydgoszcz from 1945 to the late 1950s.

The harmonious and symmetrical façade displays Corinthian pilasters, decorated cornice and a frieze with a stylized plant motifs and tonda decorated with the head of a boy. In 1926, the front of the building was rebuilt and adapted for commercial purposes, on a design by architect Paul Kuklinski.

Chapel of the Sisters of the Poor Clares, at N°56, 1900-1901. Modern architecture.

Since February 16, 1946, a lifetime adoration has been performed in the church.

Aleksander Olszyński Tenement, at N°58, 1894-1895, by Henrich Arndt. Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Baroque & Eclecticism.

One can notice a preserved and rich Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque stucco decoration on the facade.

Carl Meyer tenement, at N°60, 1891-1892, by Carl Meyer. Eclecticism.

A facade niche houses an sculpted allegory of Architecture and Construction.

Alfred Schleusener Tenement, at N°62, 1910-1911, by Alfred Schleusener. Modern architecture

The architect Alfred Schleusener lived and worked there till 1944.

Józef Święcicki tenement at N°63. Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list, N°601299-Reg.A/1059, August 26, 1996. Built in 1895-1897, by Józef Święcicki. Eclecticism, Neo-Renaissance & Neo-Baroque.

House of architect Józef Święcicki, where he lived with his family and ran his business.

Tenement at N°64, 1890. Eclecticism. First landlord at then Danzigerstraße 136 was Josef Swięcicki, a building construction manager. It passed then to Hermann Bluementhal "the joung", a merchant and then to Bruno Straszewski, a horse dealer till the end of World War I.

The high elevation displays Eclectic style: neo-classic details (pedimented windows, symmetry, pilasters), bossage on the ground floor or a man figure placed at keystone position of the right arched window.

Eduard Schulz Tenement at N°66-68. Built in 1904-1905, by Rudolf Kern. Art Nouveau.

In 1949, in the back garden, was built the actual Bydgoszcz Polish Theatre.

Tenement at N°67, 1910-1911, by Rudolf Kern. Modern architecture & Art Nouveau.

The building presents characteristics of the first decade of the 20th century with early forms of modern architecture.

Tenement at N°69, 1896, by Józef Święcicki. Eclecticism & Neo-Gothic. The tenement has been commissioned by Ludwik Winnicki, a merchant dealing in flour, so as to get a living and commercial building.

In the first version, the facade had a rich stucco decor. A later refurbishing resulted in a complete changes of the front elevation. Noticeable are the heads of dragons above the gate, supporting the central bay window.

Tenement at N°71, 1906-1908, by Rudolf Kern. Modern architecture & Eclecticism.

It has been the seat of the Municipal Conservatoire since 1939.

Rudolf Kern Building, Adam Mickiewicz Alley N°1, 1903-1904, by Rudolf Kern. Art Nouveau. Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list, N°601377-Reg.A/1086, November 20, 1995.

House of architect Rudolf Kern, for his own use, private and business: he has lived there until 1922.

Tenement at N°75, 1883. eclecticism & Neo-Classicism Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list, N°601310-Reg.A/893, November 12, 1992

A frontispiece adorned with a Hermes's head overhangs the gate.

Tenement at N°77, 1885. Eclecticism & Neoclassical Architecture. The tenement at then Danzigerstraße 45, has been commissioned by a merchant, Karl "The young" Wolter, dealing with building material. The eclectic facade displays interesting details: a bossage flanking the avant-corps, columns framing all first floor windows, topped by arched pediments. Bossages are mainly flanking second floor windows. The frontispiece capping the avant-corps is adorned with a male figure (Hermes?).

Ernst Bartsch tenement, at N°79, built in 1898-1899 by Fritz Weidner. German Historicism. The whole facade is purposefully designed on asymmetry, which is a specific means for the architect Fritz Weidner to abandon the stucco decoration and arrangements of architectural elements. The building shows similarities with House at Gdanska Str.91, also designed by Fritz Weidner.

Paul Storz Tenement, at N°81. Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list: N°601311-Reg.A/1056, February 26, 1997. Built in 1897. Eclecticism-Mannerism. The building was constructed in 1897, for Paul Storz, a master carpenter. Initial address was Danzigerstraße 47.

Tenement at N°83, corner with Świętojańska Street. Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list, N°601311-Reg.A/1056, February 26, 1997. Built in 1890, by Józef Święcicki. Eclecticism. The building at then Danzigerstraße 48 had Otto Riedel, a baker, as first landlord, until World War I.

Typical from Józef Święcicki, the style of both elevations boasts eclecticism, close to Neo-baroque in the richness of the details, among others: cartouches, wrought iron balconies, bossage, bay window capped with an ogee roof, round top openingscorbel table at the top.

Villa Carl Grosse, at N°84

Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list, N°601311-Reg.A/1056, February 26, 1997

1898-1899, by Karl Bergner

German Historicism

In the 1920s, rumor told mistakenly that the villa belonged to Polish Apolonia Chalupiec.

Otto Riedl Tenement, Świętojańska Street N°2

1911-1912, by Paul Sellner

Modern architecture

In the 1930s, Vincent Bigoński has established here a bakery that still runs today.

Tenement at N°86

1887-1888, by Józef Święcicki

Eclecticism & French Neo-Renaissance

Puttos and sirens stucco reliefs are mounted on the facade.

Villa Hugo Hecht, at N°88/90

Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list, N°601315-Reg.A/137, March 19, 2004

1888-1889, by Józef Święcicki

French Neo-Renaissance

In 1900-1939, the owner was Hermann Dietz, activist and social worker physician.

Tenement at N°89, 1880. Eclecticism, Neo-Renaissance. The tenement at then Danzigerstraße 51, has been commissioned by Ludwig Rodemann who had a business in wood logistics (Firm "Rodemann & Wurl"). He lived at Danzigerstraße 33, now Gdańska 53.

The frontage, despite its lack of upkeep, features the following details: a Neo-Renaissance disposition of the openings, delicate cartouches on the bottom of first floor windows (displaying an eagle with two figures and floral motifs) and nice wrought iron balconies.

Tenement at N°91

1898-1899, by Fritz Weidner

Historicism

The building shows similarity with a neighbouring one, at N°79, also designed by Fritz Weidner.

Hugo Hecht tenement, at N°92/94

Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list, N°A/269/1, August 21, 1991

1889-1892, by Józef Święcicki

French Neo-Renaissance

Marshal Józef Piłsudski has been accommodated here in June 1921 during his stay in Bydgoszcz.

Carl Bradtke Tenement, at N°93

Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list, N°A/269/1, August 21, 1991

1895-1896, by Józef Święcicki

German Historicism & rokoko elements

The house was built for a master stonecutter, Carl Bradtke. His initials, CB, appear in a cartouche set in an upper pediment.

Tenement at N°95

1912-1913, by Paul Sellner

Modern architecture

This tenement presents an early modernist style.

Stanisław Rolbieski tenement, at N°96

1891-1892, by Józef Święcicki

Eclecticism & French Neo-Renaissance

It is the last edifice of a series of six ordered by Hugo Hecht and realized by Józef Święcicki.

Reinhold Zschiesche Tenement, Chocimska Street N°1

1885-1888, by Józef Święcicki

Eclecticism

Reinhold Zschiesche was a restaurateur who ran his business on the ground floor.

Tenement at N°99, 1884-1885. Eclecticism & Neoclassical Architecture. The tenement at then Danzigerstraße 56, has been commissioned by Adelheid Gaertner or Gärtner, a dyer. The edifice has been refurbished in 2012.

The eclectic facade displays neo-classical elements: perfect symmetry in the facade balance, decoration of the openings on each level (pediments, thin pilasters) and an interesting frontispiece overhanging the entrance, featuring a man head.

Carl Peschel tenement, at N°101

Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list, N°A/11, October 12, 1999

1892-1893, by Józef Święcicki

Eclecticism & rokoko

The building was designed as a renting house and commercial area.

Rudolf Gehrke tenement, at N°113, 1886, by Józef Święcicki. Eclecticism & Neo-Renaissance. The first owner was Reinhold Zschiesche, also owner at Chocimska Street N°1. In the eclectic decoration, Józef Święcicki used Neo-Renaissance details. The entrance from Gdańska Street is topped with a head figure in a cartouche.

Tenement at N°115, 1887. Eclecticism, Neo-classicism. Initial address was Danzigerstraße 65, the first landlord was a butcher, Johann Bordanowicz. The butcher shop remained in use till the outbreak of World War I.

The facade reflects neo-classical features, with pediments over first level windows and a festoon above the avant-corps entry. The main gate is a work of wrought iron and glass.

Villa Fritz Heroldt, at N°119

Registered on Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship heritage list, N°A/11, October 12, 1999

1895-1896, by Fritz Weidner

Eclecticism & Neo-baroque

In the beginning of the 20th century, Polish journalist and writer Antoni Chołoniewski (1872-1924) lived here.

Julius Kolander tenement, at N°125, 1890, by Józef Święcicki. Modern architecture. The original building at Danzigerstraße 70, now gone, was commissioned by Julius Kolander, a baker, to Józef Święcicki. The Neo-baroque tenement included two wings and a stable. Current edifice has been completed in 1996, with a modern style attempting to recall Art Nouveau buildings.

Kazimierz Figurski tenement, at N°127, 1900-1901. German Historicism. The shop on the ground floor displays a preserved decorative cast-iron column, part of the original design of Kasimir Figurski, merchant and innkeeper. The building bears the characteristics of a picturesque architecture. Above the main entrance is placed a head of a young woman with stylish and abundant hair. Roof tops of the facade are decorated with openwork wooden structure.

Ernst Friebel tenement, at N°130, 1911, by Karl Gehrke. Modern architecture. The house was built on a commission from Ernst Friebel.

Tenement at N°135, 1893, by Carl Rose. Modern architecture. First owner was a cabdriver, Wincent Swirski. Above the main entrance is placed a stylized head of a woman. A major overhaul happened in 2000.

Tenement at N°137, 1887. by Józef Święcicki Eclecticism & Neo-Renaissance. First owner of this house at then Danzigerstraße 71 was Gustav Stiehlau, restaurateur and locksmith. In 1900, the property moved to Kasimir Figurski, a merchant, owner of the tenement at N°127. The low edifice sets off from the surrounding tenement. However, its decoration is worth noticing by the richness of the delicate ornaments of pediments and cartouches.

Georg Weiss tenement, at N°141, 1906-1907, by Georg Weiss. Modern architecture. It was the second personal house of George Weiss, a master mason, after the one he built at Libelta Street N°10.

Military barracks, at N°147, 1884-1914. Timber framing. Approximatively 40 barrack buildings have been were built on the compound.

Former Officer's Mess 53, at N°160, 1880. Historicism. The house, initially at Danzigerstraße 89 had as first landlord Paul Firch, listed as worker. At the end of the 19th century, it was the property of Albin Cohnfeld, a rentier, living at Dworcowa Street N°77. In 1906, it was used as an Officer's Mess (German: Offizier Kasino 53) till 1918 and the recreation of an independent Polish state. It then became the Polish Officer's Mess (Polish: Kasyno oficerskie) until World War II. After a thorough renovation, it is now the seat of a Polish videogames company, "Vivid Game" This historicist house, now refurbished, reflects beautiful brick details. Most impressive are the crow-stepped gables.

Zdzisław Krzyszkowiak Stadium, at N°163

1960, by Jerzy Hofmann and 2008

Seat of Bydgoszcz sporting club Zawisza.

Tenement at N°188, 1930-1939. Modern architecture. Initially, the building was supposed to billet officers.

War College building, at N°190

1913-1914, by Arnold Hartmann, Robert Schlezinger

Eclecticism & Neo-baroque

Built as the seat of the German War College, the edifice housed during World War I a military hospital.

Pomeranian Army Museum, Czerkaska Street N°2, 1973, by Zbigniew Kortas. Functionalism. The museum presents the military history of Pomerania and Kujawy from Greater Poland Uprising (1918–19) till today. After the transformation in 2010, the museum presents additional sets of equipment and weapons. The institution inherited the tradition of a pre-war military museum operating since 1928, in the Cadet School for Non-Commissioned Officer in Bydgoszcz, housed in the War College building at N°190. Main exhibition highlights of this ancient collection were, among others: elements from the room of the Teutonic Order great master ind Malbork; a blade and firearms from 18th-19th centuries; a diploma signed by king August III; a snuffbox donated by Napoleon on Elba Island; hair from Tadeusz Kościuszko. All these items, scattered during World War II, have never been recovered.

The contemporary building, located at Czerkaska street has been created by architect Zbigniew Kortas in 1973 was erected on a plot that belonged to the War College since 1913. In 2007, the Museum gained the status of state cultural institution, and in 2010, it has been transformed into a branch of the Army Museum, together with museums in Torun and Wroclaw.

Water Supply Station "Las Gdański", at N°242

1900, by F. Marschall

Neo-Gothic

The water supply complex, established 1900, is still operative today.