Sokolana Reconstruction Postponed Amid Citizen Fears of Deliberate Decay

Sokolana, an iconic and architecturally significant building in Kragujevac, Serbia, is falling into disrepair despite its protected status. A reconstruction project, agreed upon a year ago with funding secured, has now been indefinitely postponed, raising fears among local citizens that the building is being intentionally neglected.

The initiative began with resident demands for the area around Sokolana to be fenced off for safety reasons. This was followed by an announcement of reconstruction, with the Ministry allocating 25 million dinars and the City of Kragujevac pledging 40 million dinars. However, a year later, the Minister of Culture announced the reconstruction was being delayed. "Nothing has happened," stated Ivana Pavlović of the citizens' group. "The fences, as you can see, have been standing for over a year. Then, out of the blue, Minister Selaković announced that the project by the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments was flawed and required more funds."

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Nothing has happened. The fences, as you can see, have been standing for over a year. Then, out of the blue, Minister Selaković announced that the project by the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments was flawed and required more funds.

The Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments, in response to inquiries, stated that investigative work had been conducted, and the most vulnerable part of the structure was secured. They explained that original technical documentation for the building, unique in Serbia for its construction, does not exist. Therefore, all potential risks must be assessed during reconstruction and project design. The Institute indicated that further work depends on the decision of the building's owner, the City of Kragujevac. The City administration has not responded to media inquiries.

Citizens suspect deliberate neglect, with reports of investors approaching tenants in the adjacent building, offering them incentives to sign agreements that could lead to the demolition of Sokolana. "We truly believe this is a major violation," said Aca Savić, also representing the citizens' group. The citizens' group has repeatedly urged authorities to secure the site with a higher fence, as the current one is insufficient to prevent unauthorized entry through broken windows or balconies. The delayed reconstruction of Sokolana is one of 33 projects under the "Cities in Focus" program by the Ministry of Culture.

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We truly believe this is a major violation.