Zagreb Debates Future of Historic Post Building: Library, Mall, or Parking?

Zagreb residents are actively debating the future of the iconic Croatian Post building on Jurišićeva Street, a prominent landmark in the city center. The lively discussion, sparked on Reddit, has generated a wide array of suggestions for repurposing the structure.

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Whatever, just bring back the towers.

Proposals span from practical civic uses like a library, cultural center, exhibition space, or coworking hub, to more commercial ventures such as a large food hall, a shopping mall akin to London's Harrods or Paris's Galeries Lafayette, or even a hotel with a food court. Some users expressed a desire for the building to host events, concerts, public forums, and seminars, emphasizing its potential as a public space open to all.

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I would bring back this crazy roof. I think it's unique and has charm, and its purpose should be open to citizens and various social activities.

A significant number of suggestions focus on restoring the building's distinctive historical features, particularly its unique roof. One user commented, "Whatever, just bring back the towers." Another added, "I would bring back this crazy roof. I think it's unique and has charm, and its purpose should be open to citizens and various social activities."

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I would like to see something like Eataly from Trieste: a combination of a market, shops focused on selling groceries, and a restaurant emphasizing Croatian-Mediterranean cuisine.

Culinary concepts also emerged, with one user suggesting an "Eataly-like" establishment combining a market, specialty food shops, and a restaurant focusing on Croatian-Mediterranean cuisine. Others proposed a return to the city's Austro-Hungarian past, envisioning a cafe or restaurant in that style. However, the discussion also saw more unconventional and ironic ideas, including a nightclub inspired by Berlin's Berghain, a McDonald's on the lower floors, or simply a parking lot.

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Zagreb lacks cafes and restaurants of the Austro-Hungarian type.