PORR to build ETHOS retail and office complex in Warsaw

Vienna, 10 August 2015 – The ETHOS retail and office complex will be built on Warsaw’s historic Royal Route by September 2016 – with Kulczyk Silverstein Properties (“KSP”) as the investor and developer. PORR POLSKA will be the general contractor for this seven-storey building boasting over 17,000m² of leasing space in a top central location.
 
“Our client has been clearly committed to a cooperative approach with us on this project. Right from the start all of the decisions have been made together and we have held joint negotiations with the subcontractors”, said Karl-Heinz Strauss, CEO of PORR AG, on the benefits of this approach. “Mutual trust is a prerequisite for the open-book method and ensures great transparency with regard to costs”. PORR has already won over an array of companies with this trailblazing partnership model – including Warimpex, the Von der Heyden Group, Vastint, AIG and UBM.
 
Unique dimensions and breathtaking views
Kulczyk Silverstein Properties is relying on the acclaimed expertise of PORR POLSKA S.A. for the comprehensive refurbishment and extension of the ETHOS retail and office complex. From July 2015 to September 2016 and just 100m from the Warsaw Stock Exchange and the Sheraton Hotel – two projects which were also realised by PORR – a new building will emerge, standing out with its unique dimensions. The building will offer leasing space of 17,000m² across two underground and five overground storeys, whereby offices will account for a total of 13,000m² – with individual floors measuring around 3,000m². PORR will build a 1,000m² terrace on the fifth floor, offering spectacular views of the River Vistula and the national stadium. The plot of the former “Holland Park” office building has been generously expanded for the construction project and has been upgraded to meet the standards of energy category A+ and the criteria of the BREEAM certification (excellent) for sustainable building and subsequent use.
 
Elegant architecture in top central location
The project stands out for its unusual architecture, which fits in perfectly with the sumptuous flair of the Royal Route. The architectural concept by a consortium of MAAS Projekt and Chapman Taylor is remarkable for its 8m-high glazed shop front which underlines the distinctive character of the shopping area on the ground floor.   Visitors have easy access to restaurants, cafés and boutiques via an elegant inner courtyard which is protected by a glass roof. The underground garage offers 90 parking spaces for customers and guests. The new office and retail complex is located on the banks of Warsaw’s Vistula, directly on the Royal Route, one of the best spots in the city. The Polish Parliament, various embassies, luxury boutiques and popular restaurants and cafés are all in the immediate vicinity. The proximity of various green areas and parks also help to make the location of ETHOS especially appealing.
 
Property services company SAVILLS will handle the letting of office space, while BNP PARIBAS will be responsible for leasing the retail space.