maxravique
The Union hotel, Bucharest, Romania.
Situated at the crossroads of Ion Câmpineanu and Academiei streets in Bucharest, the "Union" hotel, a splendid Art Déco masterpiece, boasts a rich 150-year history. Originally erected in 1870 on the grounds of the Cornescu Boyars' Houses, the initial two-story hotel was replaced in 1930-1931 by a new structure designed by architect Arghir Culina. Interestingly, Culina had previously crafted the adjacent "Stănescu" hotel two years prior, later renamed "Negoiu." Nationalized during 1948-1950, the hotel was reopened in the 1950s under state management through the National Tourist Office (ONT) "Carpathians." In the 70s, renovations and partitions altered some of the original Art Déco features. In the late '90s, a private owner, having acquired the property from the state, initiated further modifications, converting the hotel into an office building. Notably, these alterations included replacing the original joinery with PVC (thermal panels), diminishing its vintage charm. Today, the refurbished yellow building is known rather only for its ground-floor restaurant.
The Union hotel, Bucharest, Romania.
Situated at the crossroads of Ion Câmpineanu and Academiei streets in Bucharest, the "Union" hotel, a splendid Art Déco masterpiece, boasts a rich 150-year history. Originally erected in 1870 on the grounds of the Cornescu Boyars' Houses, the initial two-story hotel was replaced in 1930-1931 by a new structure designed by architect Arghir Culina. Interestingly, Culina had previously crafted the adjacent "Stănescu" hotel two years prior, later renamed "Negoiu." Nationalized during 1948-1950, the hotel was reopened in the 1950s under state management through the National Tourist Office (ONT) "Carpathians." In the 70s, renovations and partitions altered some of the original Art Déco features. In the late '90s, a private owner, having acquired the property from the state, initiated further modifications, converting the hotel into an office building. Notably, these alterations included replacing the original joinery with PVC (thermal panels), diminishing its vintage charm. Today, the refurbished yellow building is known rather only for its ground-floor restaurant.