Demolition crews have begun tearing down one of Ohrid’s most notable historic homes, a structure dating back to 1927. The building, recognized for its specific architectural value, is being cleared to make way for a new multi-story residential and commercial complex.
The civic initiative Ohrid SOS has strongly condemned the action, arguing that the site represents a vital piece of the city's cultural history. Despite an urgent request for temporary protection, local authorities allowed the demolition to proceed, citing the owner's legal rights and a 2008 Detailed Urban Plan.
Expanding Threats to Urban Identity
Beyond the loss of this single property, activists are sounding the alarm over broader urban planning policies. Ohrid SOS warns that other significant sites are now at risk, including the local kindergarten and the historic school building of the “Grigor Prliçev” primary school.
- Loss of Green Space: Proposed construction projects threaten to eliminate school and kindergarten grounds.
- Visual Impact: The scale of new, long-form buildings is expected to permanently alter the quiet, historic character of the neighborhood.
The Legal Conflict
The Municipality of Ohrid insists that its actions are fully compliant with current regulations. They state that the permits were issued in accordance with the Management Plan for the Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Ohrid Region.
However, critics point to a systemic failure to protect architectural assets. Because the building was not formally registered as a protected monument, the municipality argues it lacked the legal standing to intervene. Activists continue to question why municipal authorities did not take proactive steps to designate such buildings as protected, effectively leaving them vulnerable to the pressures of modern development.
