Living in a historical building… is it the lifestyle for you? Many people dream of interiors that have “that special something” – an elusive charm that cannot be faked. You can look for it in new housing estates. You can try. But when it comes to historical buildings, there might be concerns: does this architecture still go hand in hand with today’s comfort standards? At Reforma Nieruchomości, our mission is to combine these two worlds, giving them a chance to intertwine. For 11 years, we have been reForming Poznań, turning buildings weathered by time into one-of-a-kind living spaces.
1. Space and volume that give you room to breathe
Contemporary construction has accustomed us to the “communist-era standard height” of rooms, which is between 2.5 m and 2.85 m (and the latter is already rare). In historical buildings, these rules of squeezing out maximum usable area never applied. Here, ceilings often reach 3 meters and more, which completely changes the perception of the interior.
Height is not just numbers – it is a real quality of life. Thanks to huge windows and volume, even a smaller apartment feels bright and spacious. Here, you can take a deep breath. Such space allows for bold designs: mezzanines, tall bookcases, or hanging lighting installations. At Matejki 54, where we will soon be offering apartments up to 380 m², this height matters. Among other things, it makes the monumentality almost tangible. This is freedom unrestricted by the “idea of a developer investment.” Historically, an apartment was meant to have a soul, to amaze with an architectural sense of proportion, and to provide space for LIVING!
2. Location in the heart of the city?
Historical buildings stand where the heart of Poznań beats. By choosing an apartment in the buildings we revitalize, e.g., at Kościuszki 71-73 or Matejki 54, you become part of a vibrant district.
The newspeak of developer momentum about “investments in the hearts of cities” can highly praise modern “apartment buildings.” We do not fake the location or what apartments in the historic districts of Poznań really are. You can waste time commuting from the suburbs, or you can gain the luxury of having everything within walking distance. And not just any walk – usually, these are the neighborhoods of the oldest parks, the best Poznań cafes, theaters… Here, restaurants become a natural extension of your living room. There will be no more of these locations. They will neither grow like mushrooms after the rain, nor will they age like the metalwork facades of “unique apartment buildings.”
Stable market value? Stability is not enough for us – it is rather like investing in a good wine. The older it gets, the clearer the bouquet, the more unique and alluring it becomes….
3. Details that create a soul
The most beautiful part of historical buildings is hidden in the details. As Reforma Nieruchomości, we dedicate all our energy to restoring their former glory. Living in such a place means daily encounters with art and craftsmanship that are rare today. Original, restored door frames, intricate stuccowork on the ceilings, coves, moldings, or forged and carved staircase railings are elements that build the atmosphere right from the threshold.
A true gem is our project at Kościuszki 71.73, where we restored a historic, Art Nouveau elevator from 1912 – giving it a new mechanism but leaving its soul (literally and figuratively, as the elevator is located in the core of the stairs behind a historic mesh, and its cabin is still wooden, just like 114 years ago). Such exceptional elements make an address from reForma not just a point on the map, but a place with its own unique identity.
4. Modern standard in a historical package
We often encounter the question: “What about the installations?”. At Reforma, we do not compromise. Although the building retains its historical character from the outside, entirely new technology is hidden beneath its “skin.”
Revitalization in our definition means a comprehensive replacement of all risers, electrical, water-sewage, and heating installations. Thanks to thick brick walls, historical buildings naturally stay cool in summer and warm in winter. However, we do not sing praises for outdated technologies. We take care of modern systems (insulation, photovoltaics, underfloor heating, triple-glazed windows, heat pumps, or preparation for air conditioning and recuperation). When buying an apartment from reForma, you do not get the aesthetic repetition of new construction, nor the cheap technologies of the standard developer offering.
5. Uniqueness: A space unlike any other
Are contemporary housing estates deceptively similar to each other? No! After all, there are distinguishing investments “by the cinema” or “in front of the opera” – meant to give the illusion of a historical building atmosphere.
We do not distort reality; uniqueness defends itself. Furthermore, every apartment floor plan in our revitalizations is different, tailored to the specifics of a given building and the client’s needs (which only a few know about). The choice is wide: an apartment with a view of Wilson Park, a flat with a huge terrace in the heart of Łazarz, or a loft-style studio with a spacious balcony. A view of the Castle, Stary Browar, the roofs of Jeżyce – this is our reality. And this diversity attracts people with similar aesthetic sensitivity, creating an intimate, conscious neighborhood community. At Reforma, we believe that a home should be as unique as its owner.
Is an apartment in a historical building for you?
An apartment in a revitalized historical building is a choice for people who expect something more from real estate than just a roof over their heads. This is an offer for design and art enthusiasts who value urban energy, but also the peace provided by solid, historical walls.
This aesthetic is with us, also in our office at Kraszewskiego 17.
Would you like to get acquainted with the current offer of our projects?
Visit us – we invite you for a coffee!