Fuzja, one of the largest mixed-use ‘destination’ projects run by Echo Investment, has entered the next stage of work. In the northern part of the post-industrial complex, two historic buildings will be revitalised and given a residential function. One of the buildings will be completely restored and 171 classic lofts will be created inside. On the other, external historic walls will be revitalised, while a new building offering 160 loft-style-inspired apartments will appear in its surroundings. The first stage of the project has just gone on sale, and future residents will be able to be handed over the keys to their units in the first quarter of 2025. The design of lofts and loft apartments are created by the Medusa Group architecture firm, which is also the designer of the entire complex.
Fuzja is a mixed-use urban quarter where the historic buildings of the former Karol Scheibler textile factory spread over 8 hectares are being revitalised. The southern part of the complex which is open to the city with the historic Power Plant and Anna’s Gardens has already regained its former glory. This part of the Fuzja has already become vibrant. Fujitsu, one of the world’s largest providers of infrastructure and IT support, has moved into two office buildings within the complex. And four residential buildings located next to Anna’s Gardens have gained new tenants in a short time. The first two properties have already been fully sold out. In the third building, 97 percent of the units have been sold, while the fourth property, which will be ready in the third quarter of 2023, has achieved sales of 80 percent. Next year, brands such as Bakery, Deseo and Zdrowa Krowa, among others, will also open their locations in the historic buildings of Fuzja. Currently, works have started on the northern part of Fuzja where a loft project will be developed first. There will be 331 apartments with a total area of 18,500 sqm.
“Łódź has become famous in recent years for its city-forming mixed-use projects. It is extremely important for local communities that new residential developments, alongside their basic function, create spaces for residents to work and spend their free time, in other words, they should be life-friendly places. Fuzja is such a place, as it combines residential, office and service functions and, above all, public green areas. All these elements create a small district with a unique industrial atmosphere, which perfectly fits in with this work-life balance trend,” says Adam Pustelnik, First Deputy Mayor of Łódź.
As part of the revitalisation of the northern part of the complex, two residential buildings have been planned. In the first stage, there will be a brand new six-storey building constructed along the outline of the historic walls of the former factory floor used as a finishing shop. Medusa Group architects have designed a modern residential building with an upward extension, connected to the historic wall by terraces and balconies. Future residents will enjoy loft-style apartments here – high, with large windows providing very good access to daylight, as well as private tenant gardens. A total of 160 units will be built, which have just begun to be sold.
“With its rich historical background and dream location as well as its unique atmosphere, the lofts in Łódź-based Fuzja is one of the most unique projects in Poland. As Echo Investment, we create good places to live valued by our clients and investors. We are sure that the lofts in Łódź will also meet their expectations. The days when people bought only the proverbial four walls are over, now the surroundings are also important. We want a mixed-use place, where we can take advantage of restaurants or cafes at our fingertips, take part in cultural events, relax in silence surrounded by greenery and beautiful architecture, and at the same time be close to the city centre, shops, services and business. And that is exactly what Fuzja is – open to people and their needs. Lofts and loft apartments are challenging projects, as we create something modern while touching the historical fabric; it is always an amazing experience and great satisfaction when we can give new life to old buildings. We are glad that such an important project for Echo Investment is being carried out in Łódź, a city with a beautiful factory tradition,” says Dawid Wrona, Sales Director of residential projects at Echo Investment.
The second stage of the project is the revitalisation of the historic building formerly used as a printing house. The building, which is formed like an upside-down L-shape, has historically two storeys in the west-south part and three storeys in the northeast part. The building will be extended to eventually reach four storeys and 18 metres in height. As part of the revitalisation, the former printing house will regain its glory and the authentic post-factory interiors will be adapted into 171 unique lofts.
“The two designed buildings are first and foremost a story about the factory history of this place. One of the buildings, which is more consistent with what is meant by the definition of lofts, will make maximum use of the existing fabric, cleaned up, secured, and prepared so that people can live here comfortably, safely and with character. The second building will follow a completely new definition of the concept of lofts. We will create a modern building that will literally be raised in the surroundings of an old wall and become a new story about living in this industrial space,” says Przemo Lukasik from the Medusa Group architectural firm, responsible for the design of lofts and loft apartments in Fuzja.
The original walls of the historic buildings will be renovated, including authentic bricks typical for factory buildings in Łódź. Echo Investment will also restore cast-iron pillars, elements of staircases and muntins in windows. The common spaces that surround the lofts and the loft apartments will be finished in a minimalist style using concrete, hardened steel and glass. One of the interesting solutions will be the adaptation of cast-iron pillars that used to support ceilings, and now will welcome residents and guests with their original colonnade.
Fuzja is a flagship project of Echo Investment developed in the centre of Łódź on the grounds of the former Karol Scheibler factory. The mixed-use project is being built on an area of 8 hectares, surrounded by historic buildings that will gain new functions. After many years since the collapse of the Uniontex factory, the project is being returned to Łódź as a fully-fledged part of the city offering culture, entertainment, restaurants, services and shops, as well as residential buildings, modern office spaces, a city square (Anna’s Gardens) and open, green common areas. A total of 22 buildings will be located on 8 hectares, 15 of which are historic buildings.
