The building at 8 Rooseveltova street in Brno, which was a protected cultural monument from 1958 to 1987, is noteworthy for its richly composed historical facade. Built by the Brno Industrial Bank, it is a striking architectural landmark and an important component of Brno’s urban conservation area.
This four-storey residential building was built in 1871-72 based on a design by the young Brno architect Arnold Weber, with construction overseen by Eduard Exner. The building was completed during the first phase of development of this section of the city’s circular boulevard, which was primarily designated for residential purposes. The building provided rental accommodation in several flats, as well as spaces that could be used for administrative purposes.
The facade of the building, with its combination of exposed brickwork and stucco Neo-Renaissance elements, is that of a richly detailed urban palace. Pilasters framing the windows on the seven-axial facade represent all three Classical orders, Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. The design also plays with the contrast of Renaissance-inspired stucco decoration juxtaposed with smooth, unrendered brick surfaces. The layout of the piano nobile, located on the second floor as the main floor, is emphasized by a string course and a balustrade of conical components beneath the windows. The facade is thus divided into three horizontal sections: the raised plinth zone, which includes a mezzanine floor, and the three-storey bel-étage with a purist treatment of the ground floor.
As in the past, the building comprises offices, flats and shops for local businesses.
