Big changes are coming to the heart of Warsaw. Some of the city’s most familiar skyscrapers are about to be transformed – or replaced entirely.
Big changes are coming to the heart of Warsaw. Some of the city’s most familiar skyscrapers are about to be transformed – or replaced entirely.
With space in the city center running out, developers are looking to older buildings as prime spots for modern, cutting-edge projects. But as Warsaw pushes forward, it’s hard not to wonder… Can we balance progress with preserving the city’s character?
Take the Ilmet Tower near Rondo ONZ, for example. Built in 1997, this 83-meter skyscraper has been a part of Warsaw’s skyline for almost 30 years. Now, it’s set to make way for Warsaw One, a sleek, 188-meter tower that promises to redefine the area. The project has been years in the making, with delays caused by financial setbacks and even the building’s temporary use as a Refugee Support Center. But now, the path is clear for the Ilmet Tower’s next chapter.
And it’s not the only one. The PZU Tower on Grzybowska Street and the iconic Pekao Tower are also in the spotlight. Both are aging buildings that may soon be replaced with taller, more efficient designs. For some, this is exciting, because of a chance to modernize Warsaw’s skyline. For others, it raises questions – is demolition really the only answer?
Warsaw is at a turning point. The choices being made now will shape the city for decades. As familiar buildings disappear and new ones rise, it’s worth asking – what kind of skyline do we want for the future? And how do we make sure it reflects the soul of the city we love?
The Ilmet Tower, an 83-meter skyscraper completed in 1997, has been a part of Warsaw’s cityscape for nearly three decades. Plans to replace it with Warsaw One first emerged in 2011 but were delayed by the financial crisis. Skanska bought the building in 2016, reviving the project.
While interior demolition began in 2021, it was paused when the building became a Refugee Support Center during the migration crisis. For now, it remains a temporary home for those in need, delaying further work. Meanwhile, the design of Warsaw One is still being finalized.
The PZU Tower on Grzybowska Street could also face demolition. Discussions between the PZU Investment Fund and the city are ongoing about the possibility of replacing it with a more modern high-rise.
The Pekao Tower, the oldest of the three, stands at 85 meters and is known for its iconic presence. However, its age and condition have sparked speculation that a new owner may choose to replace it with a taller, more modern structure reaching up to 95 meters. Bank Pekao S.A. plans to sell the property this year, leaving its fate uncertain.
With space at a premium in central Warsaw, developers are looking at built-up plots for new projects. While renovating older buildings might seem like an option, it’s often not cost-effective, especially for aging office towers. Demolition allows for more efficient, state-of-the-art designs, unless a property holds historical significance.
As Warsaw evolves, its skyline tells a story of change, ambition and growth. While modern skyscrapers promise innovation and efficiency, they also raise important questions about preserving the city’s identity. The decisions made today will leave a lasting impact, shaping how future generations experience and connect with their capital.
