Department store

Kaufhaus is a historic workers' estate located in Ruda Śląska, within the boundaries of Nowy Bytom and Chebzie, built between 1880 and 1913 for the employees of the "Pokój" steelworks. The estate is distinguished by its typical familok-style buildings, featuring two stories, gabled roofs, and modest architectural details. The two-story buildings consist of apartments where every two units shared one toilet located on the mezzanine level. In 1913, a standalone building was constructed at Pileckiego Street, housing a bakery, and its layout indicated plans for the expansion of the estate, which were interrupted by the outbreak of World War I. In the 1980s, due to a decision to demolish part of the estate, half of its original buildings were lost, and it later underwent renovation in the 21st century. At the heart of Kaufhaus lies the steelworks department store "Kaufhaus," built in 1904, which was an innovative commercial venture offering a variety of goods and modern amenities such as elevators. In its heyday, it served as the social center of the estate and set contemporary retail standards. Kaufhaus is also the oldest department store in Poland and one of the oldest in Europe, representing a cultural and historical curiosity of Upper Silesia. Today, the estate is adjacent to Niedurnego Street, one of the city's most important thoroughfares, and public transportation provides residents with easy access to all districts of Ruda Śląska and the nearby town of Mikołów. With its unique architecture and rich history, the Kaufhaus estate is an important part of the region's cultural heritage.