Ludwik Geyer's Joint-Stock Company Department Store in Łódź

The Dom Towarzystwa Akcyjnego Ludwika Geyera, located at 74 Piotrkowska Street in Łódź, is a historic building that was completed in 1886. It was designed by Hilary Majewski and is also attributed to Juliusz Jung. The building housed the offices of the Ludwik Geyer Cotton Mills Joint-Stock Company, and on the ground floor, the renowned Stępkowski Restaurant operated. In the late 19th century, the building became the headquarters of the Bank Handlowy from Warsaw, which remains its owner to this day. In 1966 and 1968, the building was entered into the register of historical monuments, highlighting its importance in Łódź's cultural heritage. Architecturally, the building draws attention with its L-shape and richly decorated Neobaroque façade. The ground floor features rustication, while the first-floor windows are crowned with elegant tympanums. Additionally, the first floor boasts two balconies with baluster railings, and the roof is adorned with a balustrade topped with a festoon frieze, along with a turret decorated with caryatid motifs and covered with a dome. The building is not only a valuable example of architecture but also a witness to the city's history, which experienced dynamic growth in the late 19th century due to the textile industry. An interesting fact is that Stępkowski Restaurant, which was part of the building, was a popular meeting place, making it a significant hub for the local community's social life. Today, the building not only captivates tourists but also participates in cultural events such as the Light Move Festival, underscoring its ongoing relevance in the life of Łódź.