Nicknamed the Blue because of a characteristic, blue elevation, the office building Cracovia Business Center for years is associated with the vicinity of Rondo Grzegórzeckie by the citizens of Kraków. The construction of the building started in the 70s’ but it wasn’t completed then. In 1996 SwedeCenter company undertook the task of the building’s modernizaion and managed it until 2005, when the Blue was sold. The skyscraper, offering 12 800 sqm of office space was awarded the title "Building of the Year 1998" for the design and implementation in the competition under the patronage of the Marshal of Malopolska. The property consists of a 17-storey tower and the surrounding 4-storey rotunda.
However, this is not the end of the Cracow Blue story. Pramerica Real Estate Investors and WX Management Services ltd, a member of the Austrian group Warimpex Finanz-und Beteiligungs AG, have just signed a contract with the general contractor, the company Dyskret and plan to start a general modernization of the building in April this year. The building, known as K1, will unveil its new face in October.
After the works are finished, K1 will offer top quality office with a beautiful view of the city to the companies interested in the rental of class A space in the heart of Krakow. Thanks to implementation of the modern technical solutions, the standard of the building will rise significantly. The tenant will have the possibility to adapt the space to their needs - informs Claudia Austen, Head of Asset Management CEE, Pramerica Real Estate Investors.
The owners of the building emphasize the advantages of the investment, among others a very convenient location (just a short walk from the Kraków Main Railway Station), and large possibilities of the floors’ arrangement. After the renovation, the building will be even more tenants-friendly. We plan to transform the building into an exclusive A class building, offering high quality office space, adapted to the tenants’ needs. As a result of the modernization it will not only regain its old glory but it will also become one of the most interesting office addresses in Krakow – emphasizes Christian Fojtl, Managing Director, WX Management Services.
The outer structure of the building will not be changed as a result of modernization. However, there will be changes in the immediate vicinity of the office building – the green areas will be refreshed, as well as the small architecture forms, building marking, pavements and the main entrance. There will be a number of changes inside the building, in order to rise its standard according to tenants’ requirements. Technical systems, such as: building management system (BMS), air conditioning systems, ventilation and sprinkler systems will be modernized. There will be a renovation of the common parts (eg reception, lobby), and the office space.
Supervision of the modernization works was entrusted to Beadmans LLP from London, which will be supported by REESCO Ltd. The architectural design was prepared by the architects from Rolfe Judd, the discipline-specific designs were done by Waterman International Polska. WX Management Services is the manager of K1 and the JLL consulting firm is responsible for the commercialization.