More thermal modernisation projects have begun in the Bloki housing estate

In the "Bloki" (Blocks) residential area, the city is currently carrying out simultaneous renovations on twelve multi-family apartment buildings. These historic structures, dating back to the 1940s, had not undergone any renovations for decades. Work has begun on eight of these buildings, located on Hallera, Moniuszki, Narutowicza, Okrzei, and Wyzwolenia streets. These projects are being funded through resources secured by the city via the Polish-Swiss Urban Development Programme. Concurrently, renovations are underway on four other apartment blocks, supported by European Union funding.

The revitalization of this unique, historic residential area in Ciechanów has been ongoing since 2019, when the city initiated thermal modernization work on the first group of residential buildings using EU subsidies. By 2021, seven buildings had been renovated. In 2025, thanks to the acquisition of further EU funds, the Ciechanów municipal authorities began work on an additional four apartment blocks (located at 5 and 12 Okrzei Street, 19 Hallera Street, and 7 Wyzwolenia Street).

Eight More Buildings Undergoing Renovation

A new phase of renovations has begun in the "Bloki" residential area of ​​Ciechanów, focusing on apartment buildings that are 100% municipally owned. Work is currently underway simultaneously across eight properties, located on the following streets: Gen. J. Hallera (nos. 13/15), S. Moniuszki (nos. 5/7 and 9/11), G. Narutowicza (nos. 6/12), S. Okrzei (nos. 1, 13, and 22), and Wyzwolenia (no. 13). The projects are being carried out by three different contractors.

Work is progressing on the foundations, which are being damp-proofed. The building facades are also being renovated, and plaster is being removed from the walls in the common areas, such as stairwells. Roofing work has commenced on select buildings. The comprehensive renovation plan for each block includes upgrading the ceilings above the basements, as well as replacing ceramic roof tiles, windows, and door joynery. Stairwells will be painted. Central heating risers will be installed in two historic buildings.

Better living conditions and the preservation of a unique residential area

The renovations are being carried out with the support of a non-repayable grant from the Swiss government, totaling 51 million PLN—funding the city has been accessing since this year. The Polish-Swiss Urban Development Programme aims to reduce socio-economic disparities within the EU.

Residents of the "Bloki" (Blocks) estate will enjoy improved daily living conditions. Their homes will be warmer, and the replacement of windows will ensure proper ventilation. Deteriorated common areas will be cleared of dampness, and stairwells will be given an aesthetic upgrade. The overall appearance of the estate will also see a significant improvement.

The "Bloki" estate in Ciechanów is an urban development unique on a national scale. Dating back to the 1940s, it was designed by Germans as a "garden suburb" during the occupation—a time when Ciechanów served as the capital of an administrative region (*Regierungsbezirk*) and plans were in place to substantially increase its population. The buildings were constructed for German state officials, military personnel, and specific professional groups. For that era, these brick structures boasted a very high, modern standard. The apartments were exceptionally spacious, featuring parquet flooring, large bathrooms with bathtubs, separate pantries, and stoves that provided hot water. The basements housed utility spaces, such as communal laundry rooms.

Following the end of World War II, the units were subdivided into smaller apartments and assigned to new tenants. For decades, the common areas of the buildings remained unrenovated. Facades, roofs, windows, utility systems, and stairwells fell into ruin.

Today, the city is the sole owner of all the units in some of these buildings. It is precisely in these properties that comprehensive renovations are currently underway.