Kontrasts

@. Mokotowska 57 & 59
architect. Zygmunta Binduchowski / Orco Development
finished. ~1904 / 2009

Kamienica Rodryga Mroczkowskiego aka. Krakowiacy i Gorale is an example of eclectic secession - its facade has neorennaisance elements supported by muscular Polish peasants in regional dress.  The gateway to the inner courtyard still has wood pavers that were once popular in Warsaw.


The neighbor to this eclectic gem is a contemporary 'rehab' of a 60's industrial building. Little of the original structure remains since much of it had to be replaced to support the additional two floors. Currently there are 14 luxury residences.

I'll use this moment to talk about the name Mokotowska, the road that led to the hamlet of Mokotow. I've read various accounts of the origin of the name. The name first appears in documents dating from 1367 that list villages surrounding Warsaw. It is suggested that the name comes from a Prussian land owner. Another story states that the name originates with Countess Isabela Lubomirska who named her 18th century residence by Morskie Oko, Mon Coteau or 'My Hill'.