The reconstruction of Ostrava’s iconic high-rise, designed by Eva Jiřičná, will have a Slovak connection
13/08/2026
13/08/2026
The long-awaited reconstruction of the high-rise building on Ostrčilova Street near the centre of Ostrava officially got under way on Tuesday, 11 August, with a ceremonial groundbreaking. The building, dating from the second half of the 1960s, will be transformed into a modern residential development with 111 apartments based on a design by internationally acclaimed Czech architect Eva Jiřičná.
The First Skyscraper project is being developed by a consortium comprising Czech construction company BBP stavby and Slovakia’s KAMI profit. Their ambition is to breathe new life into one of Ostrava’s defining high-rise landmarks while preserving its distinctive architectural character. Investment platform Crowdberry has also joined the project, enabling private investors to participate in its financing and co-own more than half of a development set to become a notable addition to the Czech architectural landscape.
The reconstruction of the building, widely known as Ostrava’s “skyscraper”, is based on a design by Eva Jiřičná and Petr Vágner of AI DESIGN. Professor Jiřičná is one of the most prominent figures in Czech architecture, with an internationally recognised career and a portfolio that includes the Orangery at Prague Castle, work on the iconic Lloyd’s building in London and design elements at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Her work is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and distinctive use of glass and steel.
The architectural concept preserves the character of the original building while adapting it to the requirements of contemporary residential living.
“Every reconstruction is essentially a dialogue with what is already there. I do not believe the right approach is to overpower an old building at all costs. It is far more interesting to understand its potential and find a way to make it work for the way we live today,” said Eva Jiřičná, author of the reconstruction design and co-founder of architectural studio AI DESIGN.
Built between 1965 and 1968, the tower is currently the third-tallest building in Ostrava and the city’s tallest residential building. Following the reconstruction, its height will increase from the current 68 metres to 73 metres.
“The reconstruction of Ostrava’s skyscraper is much more than a construction project for us. It is an opportunity to bring one of the city’s icons back to life and connect its history with modern, high-quality residential living,” representatives of the developer said.
Once completed, the building will offer 111 apartments ranging in size from 30 to 206 square metres, with layouts from 1+kk to 4+kk. The project will also include a new parking structure with 185 spaces, as well as an additional 68 public parking spaces. The most expensive apartment, located at the top of the tower, is expected to be priced at around CZK 30 million.
One of the defining architectural features will be balconies incorporating greenery and an integrated automatic irrigation system. Planting will therefore serve not merely as a decorative element but as an integral part of the building’s architecture.
The development also envisages a substantial transformation of the surrounding public realm. A small park and new leisure and relaxation areas will be created, helping to integrate the building naturally into its surroundings and contributing to the wider regeneration of central Ostrava.
According to Ostrava Mayor Jan Dohnal, the scheme represents one of the city’s significant development investments. In addition to providing new housing, the reconstruction is expected to create another distinctive architectural landmark close to Ostrava’s historic centre and the New City Hall.
The project’s financing structure is another important aspect of the development. Investment platform Crowdberry is involved in the scheme, giving investors the opportunity to participate through the investment campaign currently under way and collectively co-own more than half of the project.
“Mrakodrap Ostrava is a strong example of a project that brings together the key attributes of an attractive investment opportunity – support from the city, an experienced developer, outstanding architecture and the fact that it involves the redevelopment of an existing building. Through Crowdberry, private investors have the opportunity to invest alongside the developer and participate in the returns generated by the building’s transformation,” said Michael Almásy, Director of Crowdberry Czech Republic.
The project illustrates a type of investment that was historically accessible primarily to institutional and large private investors, but which individual investors can now participate in as well.
The City of Ostrava selected the project investor in 2022. First Skyscraper subsequently entered into an agreement with the city in 2024 and paid the CZK 55 million purchase price in mid-June this year.
The building had been gradually deteriorating since 2013, with demolition at one point considered as a possible solution for its future. Instead, it will now undergo a comprehensive reconstruction designed to combine the original character of the structure with contemporary architecture and modern residential standards.
Interest in the project has already been strong ahead of the main construction works. More than 20 apartments were reserved before the reconstruction even began.
Over the coming years, Ostrava’s skyscraper will become part of the city centre’s ongoing transformation and one of the developments helping to shape its new architectural identity.
