I am happy to share with you my reflections:
How did you choose Tobacco City as a location to develop your business?
It was a coincidence. At that time - in 2005 started the privatizing of Plovdiv BT assets. There were ads in the newspaper Maritza for the sale of separate company parts - properties that are in this region. I attended an auction for warehouse Kudoglu but the Italians won the bidding. At the next auction, I have participated in the building of Gallero. There were no other bidding parties and I have won. The building was not in good condition. For about 18 months in January, we have renovated it and have changed its function to furniture store since I had a potential tenant for the entire building. We tried to keep the building most authentic and to adapt it to the functions of a furniture store. I think it turned out good and it is one investment that our company is proud of.
What is the effect of place on your business?
To my regret and to our city regret in this region things had stuck and almost nothing happened but demolition of the warehouses. This fact does not contribute to a positive effect on Gallero store. On the contrary, the area around except Gallero and the fitness Total Sport is deserted and looks unattractive. There are no lights, no movement. The sidewalk in front of Gallero is refurbished with our paving and money. I hope for change regarding this part of our city and I expect it soon.
Have you used templates and examples from other cities for renovation of the building and the interior; what inspired you?
We have not used other examples of building restoration. The building itself is beneficial for restoration because it is designed very professionally and could be easily renovated. We did a model of the colour by computer simulation and it worked. We have controlled the whole process and it turns out good.
What is your opinion on how can business and art interact?
They can and should interact. This is normal practice everywhere.
What would you like to see for your neighbourhood in the near future?
I'd like to see the neighbourhood changed and full of life, as the Trap changed. I believe that with joint efforts, this will happen.
06 June 2016
Here are links for some of the collaboration we had with Galero:
Tobacco city -
Educational Platform - 2, 9, 16, 23 and 24 April 2016
The start of the Tobacco city project - 08.10.2014