From "Szpiegów" to a housing estate for Warsaw residents
For years, at 100 Sobieskiego Street in Warsaw there was a residential complex where employees of the embassy of the USSR and later the Russian Federation lived. This place, known colloquially as "Szpiegowo", was considered a symbol of the Soviet presence in Poland for decades. However, in January 2025, after many years of efforts and legal regulations, the area was officially handed over to Warsaw by the State Treasury.
It is no coincidence that the results of the competition for the architectural and urban development concept for this place were announced on July 22.
In the rightly past times, July 22 was a celebration of communist power. This time, on July 2, we announce the results of the competition for the development of the former monument of Soviet domination. So that it can finally serve the people of Warsaw - emphasized the mayor of the capital, Rafał Trzaskowski.
New building and modernization of a historic building
The winning concept, prepared by the JSK Architekci studio, provides for comprehensive land development. In addition to the modernization of the existing historic building, which is under conservation protection, a completely new building will also be built on the side of Sobieskiego Street, in place of the former auxiliary buildings, including the former officers' club.
After completion of the investment, the entire complex will offer 180 municipal apartments, of which 108 will be in the new building. The project assumes full accessibility for people with disabilities and special needs. The city authorities ensure that the investment will be carried out respecting the historical character of the place, while adapting it to the modern requirements of the capital's inhabitants.
Investment schedule and financing
The JSK Architekci studio, as the winner of the competition, will be invited to negotiate a single-source contract for the preparation of full design documentation. The contract is to be signed by January 2027. After completing the design phase and obtaining the necessary permits, the city plans to announce a tender for construction works.
The Warsaw budget has already secured over PLN 132 million for the implementation of this investment.
History and meaning of "Spy"
The complex at 100 Sobieskiego Street has over 7,000 square meters of usable space. In the times of the Polish People's Republic and later, employees of the embassy of the USSR, and then of the Russian Federation, and trade representatives lived here. The buildings also served other functions - there was an entertainment club and a basketball hall. Over the years, the property has been the subject of numerous disputes and negotiations between the Polish and Russian Ministries of Foreign Affairs.
From the moment it was abandoned by its current users, the building gradually fell into ruin. The city's takeover of "Spy" opened up the opportunity to give this place a new social meaning.
Other Russian properties in Warsaw
On the occasion of the takeover of "Szpiegów", it is worth recalling that there are four other properties in Warsaw used by the Russian Federation. These include: the embassy headquarters at ul. Belwederska 49, residential building at ul. Bobrowiecka 2B, Consular Department of the Russian Embassy and the Russian House at ul. Belwederska 25, as well as a residential block at ul. Beethoven 3, which is already owned by the city.
In January 2023, Warsaw also took over the building of the former school on Kielecka Street from Russia, where the children of Soviet diplomats once studied.
