History

The building was erected in the years 1928-1930 as a Municipal Bathhouse at the initiative of Max Bahr, a manufacturer, a social activist and a philanthropist. The design was prepared by a governmental architect Fritz Crzellitzer, an author of public utility buildings in Berlin distinctive for their use of ceramic claddings on façades and in interior décor. The Bathhouse was opened on 6 January 1930 along with a swimming pool. The building served its original purpose until 2002. Afterwards, the pool niche was transformed into a pitch used by a sports club. Currently, some rooms are used for rehabilitation as well as commercial and service purposes, while the western part of the building performs residential functions. 

Description

The building is located at the intersection of Dąbrowskiego and Jagiełły streets, within the so-called New Town. It represents the expressionist style. The building was erected using the reinforced concrete technology in some of its parts, in other parts it was made of brick. It has an irregular floor plan and a varying number of stories. It includes a basement and has a segmented silhouette covered with sloped and flat roofs clad in tar paper. The façades are partially plastered and partially clad in glazed tiles (as well as ceramic blocks and clinker bricks). The east façade is the most representational, as it is fully faced with clinker bricks and accentuated with an annex clad in tiles, pierced with tall, multi-field windows framed by ceramic blocks with a decorative keystone and crowned with a decorative cornice made of ceramic cladding as well. The finial of this part of the building features two free-standing figures situated on corners, presenting reclining woman and man. The original layout and décor of the building interior have been preserved in large parts. 

The heritage site is accessible to the general public. It can be visited upon prior telephone arrangement.

compiled by Marta Kłaczkowska, Regional Branch of the National Institute of Cultural Heritage in Zielona Góra.28-12-2017

Bibliograhy

• Garbacz K., Przewodnik po zabytkach województwa lubuskiego, vol. 3, Zielona Góra 2013, p. 35;
• Zabytki północnej części województwa lubuskiego, Lewczuk J., Skaziński B. (eds.), Gorzów Wlkp.-Zielona Góra 2004, p. 29;