Debrecen4U
May 28, 2026
First Building Renovated as Part of Built Heritage Programme
A commemorative plaque was unveiled at the block of flats at 10–12 Szent Anna Street in Debrecen to mark the occasion that this was the first building to be refurbished with support from the Built Heritage Renovation Programme launched by the city council.
At the event held on 27 May 2026, Mayor László Papp recalled that a few years ago, while standing on the steps of St Anne’s Church – perhaps during the unveiling of the statue of Pope Saint John Paul II – he looked around and his gaze rested on this beautiful building, constructed in 1926–1927. At that moment, he began to wonder why buildings such as this one were not being given the opportunity to benefit from a programme supporting their renovation. He also remembered that the city’s chief architect, István Gábor, had for years been proposing that the council establish a support fund within the city budget to assist the residential communities of old and ageing, yet architecturally significant, blocks of flats in carrying out renovations to their buildings. In this way, various ideas came together with regard to the refurbishment of the historic and emblematic building at 10–12 Szent Anna Street. The Mayor emphasised that he was very proud that Debrecen possesses sufficient economic strength to provide assistance to residential communities which may lack the necessary resources for the reconstruction of their old yet architecturally important buildings, the renovation of which often involves considerable expense. He added that the city would continue the programme for as long as its economic capacity allows. This building is the first property to have been refurbished with support from the city’s Built Heritage Renovation Programme. The next buildings in line will be the Svetits apartment building on Piac Street, followed by the properties at 11 Kossuth Street, where renovation works are currently under way. Within the framework of the Built Heritage Renovation Programme, the council is once again inviting new applications this year. According to László Papp, it is gratifying that the council has launched this process, which is of particular importance for the future vision of the city’s built heritage. He also expressed his gratitude to the residents’ association and the building manager of the block of flats at 10–12 Szent Anna Street for securing the substantial financial contribution required for the investment in addition to the city’s support. In appreciation of the cooperation, László Papp also presented commemorative certificates to the residents’ association of 10–12 Szent Anna Street, as well as to architect and designer Zoltán Fehér and the representative of the contractor, Imre Zsuga.
According to József Hetei, city councillor for the district, it is naturally always a pleasure to see improvements taking place within the area he represents. As a resident of Debrecen, a local patriot and a history teacher, he finds it particularly gratifying when buildings from the city’s distant past are restored. In doing so, not only is the city’s history preserved, but also its spirit, which can then be passed on to future generations. The councillor also recalled a personal memory: around 1970, he himself lived for a year with his parents in the apartment building at 10–12 Szent Anna Street, making the refurbishment of the building especially meaningful to him. He too thanked everyone involved in the renovation for their work, as well as the residents for their patience. In closing, he drew attention to one of the building’s decorative features worthy of admiration – a cornucopia. In connection with this renovation, both the city council and the residents’ association opened their own “cornucopias,” and through the combination of these contributions the investment could be realised.
On behalf of the residents’ association, building manager Andrea Debreceni also expressed her thanks to everyone who had provided assistance in connection with the renovation.
Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu
