Debrecen4U October 15, 2025

Historic downtown landmark to be transformed into modern hotel and hospitality center

One of Debrecen’s most iconic buildings, the historic Wolff Palace, is being transformed into a modern hotel and hospitality center, breathing new life into the 121-year-old landmark.

Out of eleven applicants, the project by BORD Építész Stúdió won the jury’s approval the most in the design competition for the renovation of the Wolff Palace. The investment, worth approximately HUF 2 billion, will transform one of the most patina-filled buildings in the city center into a modern hotel and hospitality center. Preparations for the renovation will start in 2026, and the entire project is expected to be completed by early 2029.

The Wolff Palace, or more commonly known as the former Napló headquarters, was completed in 1904 at the intersection of Piac Street and Dósa Nádor Square.

For decades, it was home to one of the city’s most important editorial offices. As with many historical buildings recently, a new chapter is beginning in the life of the Wolff Palace: one of the city’s emblematic buildings was purchased by the city of Debrecen with the aim of preserving its value so that it can be reborn as a hotel.

“If the properties that may be put up for sale in Debrecen can serve urban considerations, the city should try to acquire them for the purpose of preserving their value and creating value. And that was the case with the Wolff Palace, more commonly known as the Napló Headquarters,” said Mayor László Papp.

The possible forms of renewal were imagined and designed by eleven teams of architects. The submitted projects were judged by a professional jury. According to the chief architect, the biggest challenge for the applicants was to preserve the original character of the turn-of-the-century building while also adding modern functions, thereby serving the future of the city.

“I believe the submitted proposals have brought us closer to uncovering the true value of this building and exploring how it can serve a new purpose. Naturally, we were looking for a concept that offers the most—not only in economic terms, but also in enhancing the city’s image and supporting its development,” said István Gábor, chief architect.

According to the jury’s decision, the best entry was submitted by BORD Építész Stúdió. reflects a balance between history and modernity: it integrates sensitively into the downtown environment while doubling the building’s usable floor space through the creation of new functional areas. This expansion allows the hotel function to be complemented with dedicated hospitality services.

“We see that the concept of having a hotel function with separate hospitality services is viable on its own, as this is an area we’re quite familiar with,” said Edit Erdei, CEO of Cívis Ház Zrt. “Even if the two functions are separated, the project remains fully sustainable.”

After the announcement of the winner, the preparation of the design contract may begin soon, and construction is expected to start in 2026. The renovation is planned to take nearly three years, so the Wolff Palace can be completely renovated by the end of 2028 or 2029. The city government is confident that the reborn building will both preserve Debrecen’s past and serve its future.

Source:dehir.hu | Photo credit:Facebook Debrecen városa