Prague's art nouveau Vyšehrad rail station set for contemporary facelift

The run-down building of the former Vyšehrad railway station in Prague 2 will to undergo a significant transformation in the coming years. New owner Karlin Port Real Estate plans to reconstruct the building to its original form, with a mix of shops and services on the lower level and apartments on the upper level.

The project, estimated to cost around CZK 700 million, is set to begin in the coming month. Developers have not announced a date for completion.

Founder and managing partner of Karlin Port Real Estate Milorad Miško Miškovič explained that the use of the space will be multi-purpose, with a unique addition of so-called micro-apartments, a concept never seen in the Czech Republic.

The renovation is a long-awaited development for the historical monument, which has been in a state of decay for many years. The station, which stopped operating in 1960, was sold by national rail carrier Czech Railways in 2007. However, previous attempts to rebuild the building were unsuccessful due to conflicts with preservationists.

The plan includes approximately 170 small apartments and studios, ranging in size from 20 to 43 square meters. Architect Ivo Nahálka, who has been working on the project for almost two years, stated that the reconstruction will aim to preserve the original form of the station as much as possible.

In addition to renovating the station, the plan also includes constructing new buildings with apartments on both sides of the monument. These will be connected to the station by a street-level glass passage, with another pathway leading to the railway tracks. The concept of micro-apartments will offer residents a range of shared amenities such as a laundry room, gym, and common room.

Nahálka assured that the restoration work will begin promptly, as the building urgently needs repair. He also mentioned that his team has been in discussions with preservationists and does not foresee any issues.

Miškovič emphasized that the project will follow the original plan, but with necessary changes to the building permit. He added that Nahálka's team has experience in saving historic buildings and has previously collaborated with Karlin Port Real Estate on two administrative projects in Karlín.

The station, part of a protected area with three buildings from the early 20th century, has suffered from unauthorized demolitions, decay, and structural issues since its closure in 1960.

The elaborately adorned main dispatch building, strategically situated below Vyšehrad, was constructed by the Prague Connecting Railway in 1904-1905. Antonín Balšánek, the architect of the Prague Municipal House, is attributed as the architect of this building, replacing an older structure about which little information remains.

The renovation and revitalization of the former Vyšehrad railway station is a much-awaited development, and the new owner's plans have been met with enthusiasm. The project will not only preserve the historical significance of the building but also provide much-needed housing options and amenities for residents.