Vlad Mihalachioiu, owner of Dimitrie Bolintineanu House: “The distinctiveness of the house as a historical monument enhances the prestige of the events organized here”

In this exclusive interview, Business Review delves into the heart of cultural preservation and modern innovation with Vlad Mihalachioiu, the visionary behind the restoration of the historic Dimitrie Bolintineanu House. Mihalachioiu shares his insights and motivations for revitalizing this iconic landmark, which not only serves as a testament to Romania’s rich historical tapestry but also as a beacon for community engagement and cultural dialogue.

What inspired the restoration of the Dimitrie Bolintineanu House and what were the main objectives of this project?

The Dimitrie Bolintineanu House is a monument with a long history that reflects an important period in its past and is, at the same time, a landmark of the cultural and historical identity of the site. The inspiration behind the restoration of a historic building came more from the desire to give back to the community a part of the cultural and architectural heritage of the area. Through its restoration and bringing back into the historical circuit, we not only revived to the community the name of Dimitrie Bolintineanu, an important 19th century’s Romanian poet and journalist, and the architectural integrity of the building itself, but we reintroduced a part of the cultural heritage of our country, which otherwise might have been lost in time.

Furthermore, I desired to have the opportunity to participate in the enhancement of the area, by adding aesthetical and historical value to the whole neighborhood. The main objective was to adapt the building to serve modern uses such as office space or corporate events and private parties. During the renovation we aimed primarily to preserve the architectural and historical essence of the house. Every original element, from the facades to the staircases and decorative details was given new life and carefully refurbished. Another goal was to adapt the space to current market needs. Thus, I was keen to be able to create a space that integrates all the modern facilities and technologies without compromising the structure of the building. Also, a major focus I kept in mind was the sustainable development of the house. This was made possible by integrating sustainable materials that ensure long-term sustainability and reduce environmental impact. In addition to installing modern HVAC systems, we also included energy efficient systems.

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One of the main challenges we have faced since the beginning has been to transform the house of the poet Dimitrie Bolintineanu into a vibrant space, where events, exhibitions and meetings can take place to stimulate cultural and creative dialogue in the community. I am glad to see that after all this comprehensive effort we can enjoy the results of this project. Each event we organize in the Dimitrie Bolintineanu House is a strong confirmation of the interest and trust that people show towards the project.

Are there any hidden gems or lesser known facts about the house that you discovered during the restoration?

Like a tale of an old castle reborn from the ashes, the refurbishment and transformation of this place steeped in symbolism took us into a world of mystery and past beauty. Besides the marble pieces that now highlight the craftsmanship of the building, I was surprised to discover that inside the house is a spacious orangery with glass and brick extensions. Today, we have transformed the former orangery into a multi-purpose space that allows a blend of historical charm with contemporary functionality and provides a unique setting for various activities and events. So, the decision to keep the large windows came from a desire to improve the aesthetic appearance of the space while also allowing natural light to filter in, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

How does the history of the house influence the types of events you imagine you will organise there?

As stories of the past, heritage sites are testaments to times gone by and the lives that animated them. Nowadays, the history of the Dimitrie Bolintineanu House, full of fascinating stories, influences the thematic of the events we organize, so that every meeting, exhibition or performance becomes a sequel to its story.

With every opportunity I want to enhance its reputation as the largest historic house available for rent in Bucharest. This unique and contemporary place naturally attracts well-known brands who want to launch products or organize relevant conferences, distinguishing it from conventional venues. The transformation of the house into a space that combines historical charm with modern functionality makes it a sought-after location for high-profile events. Notably, the orangery revitalizes meetings through the infusion of natural light, creating a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere rarely found in traditional event venues. This unique feature not only increases the aesthetic appeal of events, but also contributes to a more enjoyable and enjoyable experience for attendees.

In addition, the distinctiveness of the house as a historical monument enhances the prestige of the events organized here. The presence of journalists and attendees is enhanced by the historical importance of the site, adding an element of exclusivity. Hosting an event at the Dimitrie Bolintineanu House offers an unforgettable experience, mixing the glamour of the past with the innovation of the present, making it an ideal framework for events that aim to leave a permanent impression.

The charm of the Dimitrie Bolintineanu House lies not only in its physical beauty and historical significance, but also in its ability to provide a distinctive setting that enhances the quality and stature of the events it hosts. This is a testament to the value of preserving and refurbishing historic spaces in ways that honour their past and at the same time look to the future, thus contributing to the cultural and social structure of Bucharest.

What are the key considerations for adapting a historic site for contemporary use without compromising its essence?

Tailoring a historic landmark for contemporary use is a journey filled with sensitivity and respect for the past as well as the history of the place, and involves a careful and respectful approach to cultural and historic heritage. Throughout the restoration process we have taken into account the distinctive features of the building such as its architecture, ornamental details and original materials in order to keep its authenticity and historical identity. Moreover, we added modern technologies such as lighting, heating and cooling systems, which we have integrated carefully in order not to affect the visual appearance of the place. In the whole process, we also took into account the accessibility of internet and Wi-Fi connections throughout the premises to ensure that the space meets the requirements of modern business and social gatherings. The implementation of a reliable power supply system, including a backup generator and batteries, ensures events run smoothly without interruption. This is particularly important for high-profile events that require constant power for lighting, audio-visual equipment and other technical needs.

It is essential that the conversion of a historic site takes into account the necessity for flexibility in the use of spaces to meet diverse modern needs, such as cultural events, exhibitions, work or living spaces. Likewise, preservation and refurbishment should be carried out by specialists with experience in the field of cultural heritage conservation so as to meet international standards and practices and prevent further damage to the place. A key point we took into account in adapting the site was also the care for the environment. Any architectural changes or additions must be compatible with the environment and respect the urban and landscape context of the place.

Last but not least, establishing relationships with trusted partners who can provide exceptional service and deliver above and beyond expectations at every event is essential when it comes to tailoring the venue to the event.

What role do you see the Dimitrie Bolintineanu House playing on the cultural and social scene of Bucharest?

The Dimitrie Bolintineanu House plays a multifaceted role on the cultural and social scene of Bucharest and thanks to its historical, bohemian atmosphere that blends with contemporary standards. The house can accommodate cultural events such as art exhibitions, literary readings, historical tours and educational workshops, serving as a vibrant cultural centre.

The unique framework of the Dimitrie Bolintineanu House, together with its modern facilities, also makes it an attractive venue for social events, including galas, parties, receptions and corporate meetings.

As a historical monument, I am glad to see that the location attracts both tourists interested in architecture, history and culture, becoming part of the city’s tourist offer, and students interested in architecture, history and heritage conservation, serving as an educational resource.

I am delighted to see that with the restoration and the revival of the historic Dimitrie Bolintineanu House we have demonstrated that historic properties can be adapted to contemporary uses without compromising their essence and I hope that this piece of evidence will become a model of inspiration for young entrepreneurs and lead to a broader movement of consolidation and restoration that will contribute to the architectural landscape of Bucharest.