title: Robert Grundtmann Tenement
text: # Robert Grundtmann Tenement
  
  Robert Grundtmann Tenement is a building in downtown Bydgoszcz, at 1 Słowackiego Street.
  
  ## Location
  
  The habitation house stands on eastern side of Gdańska Street at the intersection with Słowackiego street.
  
  ## History
  
  The house was built in 1905-1906 by architect Alfred Schleusener, for a retired colonel of the Prussian army, Robert Grundtmann. The initial address was 1 Bismarckstraße/137 Danzigerstraße. Alfred Schleusener has been working in Bydgoszcz between 1902 and 1944. Among other realizations, he designed also:
  
  * His own house standing at 62 Gdańska street;
  * Tenement Carl Meinhardt standing at 27 Gdańska street.
  
  The building housed one of the most famous Bydgoszcz's cafe: Cafe Metropol then Elite.
  
  From 1909 till the end of WWI, a photographer studio Samson & Co. was active (cf Gallery).
  
  During the interwar period, Paweł Dzionara, a member of the Supreme People's Council, independence activist and city councilor had his office in the building.
  
  During Polish People's Republic, the tenement housed the restaurant SIM.
  
  ## Architecture
  
  The building is decorated in the style of early modernism, characterized by a desire to simplify and find geometrical forms of elevation. The building has a massive body, with simple details and axial composition components. The metal roof is highlighted by a ridge turret.
  
  Inside, there is an original elevator dating back from the time of construction, with a wrought iron decoration in Art Nouveau style.
  
  ## Gallery
  
  * View of the building corner
  * View from Słowacki street
  * Detail of the ridge turret
  * Tenement in 1907 - Notice the Advertising for photographer studio "Samson & Co."
  