Where beer once brewed, development now booms

The Nusle Brewery is located on the border of Nusle and Vinohrady, not far from Fidlovačka and Folimanka Parks. Between 2021 and 2025, the complex underwent an extensive transformation. Today, in addition to residential units, you’ll find restaurants, shops, and even a Czech Post office here. Its history, however, dates back to 1694, when it was founded by Count Jan Josef Sezima of Vrtba.

The brewery gradually expanded and underwent major construction in the second half of the 19th century. At that time, the famous Nusle fairs were held in the area, which were even immortalized in Tyl’s and Škroup’s play “Fidlovačka”, where the song Kde domov můj (the Czech national anthem) was first performed. By the late 1930s, the brewery was one of the largest in Central Europe. Beer was brewed here until 1960, after which the complex was used by the Czech Wine Works. Production ceased entirely in the 21st century.

The entire complex is a historically protected ensemble of industrial architecture with a rich history. The Baroque core, cellars, chimney, and brewery gate have been designated a historical cultural monument since 2003. The first archaeological surveys began in 2016. The project by developer Penta Real Estate combined two elements: the restoration of historic buildings by CMC Architects and new residential construction by CHYBIK + KRISTOF. Under the supervision of heritage conservation authorities, the original vaults, cast-iron columns, Baroque roof structure and three brewery chimneys have been preserved. The new four- to six-story buildings are complemented by three taller “brewery towers” with brick facades. A fourth, modern chimney featuring a clock has been added to the original chimneys.

504 apartments, 3 towers, 1 brewery

The new development responds to the brewery’s location between the Botič River, the railroad tracks, and the surrounding city blocks. Toward the railroad tracks, the buildings gradually rise to nine-story towers, while their height decreases toward the Botič River. At the same time, the architects worked with fragmented volumes and a varied roofscape to ensure that the new buildings harmonize in scale with the diverse historic complex. The tallest towers, with their brick facades, resemble brewery chimneys and serve as landmarks. A total of 504 apartments have been created in both new constructions and renovated industrial buildings, ranging from smaller layouts to family homes, lofts, and penthouses. All apartments feature a balcony, loggia, terrace, or front garden, and the individual buildings are connected by a courtyard filled with greenery and relaxation areas. The price range places the project in the premium segment; a 1+kk apartment starts at eight million crowns, while duplexes and penthouses on the upper floors of the towers reach prices of up to 40 million. Despite the high price, the vast majority of apartments have already been sold.

At the same time, the brewery’s transformation highlights the limits of the city’s current development without tools to support affordable housing. The arrival of high-income residents in an area with traditionally diverse development triggers the classic effects of gentrification—from rising prices of surrounding properties to the gradual transformation of local businesses. The surrounding Nusle neighborhood may thus face the gradual displacement of its original social and functional diversity.

“Three residential towers, inspired by the brewery’s distinctive chimneys, serve as striking landmarks and mark the main entrances to the site. Green courtyards and a network of public and semi-public spaces create peaceful and pleasant places for communal life. The design builds on the historic character of the site through its choice of materials, the articulation of the facades, and balanced proportions. The complex is complemented by a well-thought-out landscaping solution,” says Ondřej Chybík of the CHYBIK + KRISTOF studio.

We’re open!

You can see for yourself what this new, modern neighborhood looks like. One of the main goals of the transformation was to open up the previously closed-off site to the city and create new pedestrian connections that were previously missing. Today, people can freely walk through the area between the surrounding streets and toward the Botič River. The main pedestrian axis connects to the historic Hostivítova Street and links the complex between Bělehradská and Závišova Streets; the second leads through a new shopping arcade across the former backyards and continues over the bridge to Křesomyslova Street. At their intersection, a central square has been created, which is connected to Pivovarský dvůr (the Brewery Courtyard)—featuring restaurants, cafés, and a shopping arcade with various services.

These public spaces thus form the backbone of the entire new neighborhood. Although the complex is peaceful, quiet, and at times feels almost like a hidden courtyard, it remains well-integrated into the surrounding city and offers new routes through Nusle. The project also includes a semi-public residential garden in the western part of the brewery, which serves primarily the residents. By the end of 2025, a new playground had also been built on the grounds. Its design is based on ideas from children at the Křesomyslova and Táborská elementary schools, who were tasked with designing their ideal place for games, sports, and socializing.

“For us, the Nusle Brewery was a bit like ‘Princess Koloběžka’—dressed and undressed, closed and open. We wanted to preserve the layout of the complex with its hidden central courtyard, but at the same time avoid turning it into a gated community. That’s why we’re working with a transition from public through semi-public to private space. We fragmented the new buildings and structured their rooftops so that they appear to be related to the original brewery. The development rises toward the railroad and slopes down toward the stream,” adds Ondřej Chybík.

However, the openness of the new area does not come automatically. In practice, the stated transition from public to semi-public space often clashes with residents’ demands for privacy. There is thus a risk that, under pressure from homeowners’ associations, the semi-public arcades and courtyards will eventually turn into a de facto closed enclave.

The transformation of the Nusle Brewery continues even beyond the boundaries of the complex itself. A new bridge over the Botič River connects Křesomyslova Street with the shopping arcade and the inner square, complementing the surrounding pedestrian and bike paths. The project thus sets a new standard for the revitalization of Prague’s industrial brownfields, while also sparking a broader discussion about the limits of affordability for urban housing in the capital.