Arad County Council has decided not to exercise its preemption right for the purchase of three ground-floor commercial units in the former Ardealul Hotel, a historic monument located at 98 Revoluției Boulevard. The private owner is requesting a total sum valued at EUR 2.45 million (also cited in the institution’s official briefing as EUR 2.5 million) for units no. 4, 6A, and 6D. Before the properties can be sold to a private buyer, the preemption right of the Arad Municipality must also be put to a vote.
The President of the Arad County Council, Iustin Cionca, explained that the spaces lack immediate public or administrative utility, and the acquisition would have strained the local budget, especially since historic monument status requires complex permits and high restoration costs. The administration opted to direct its resources toward infrastructure and healthcare, leaving the commercial valorization of the assets to the private sector. These three spaces have remained in individual private ownership, separate from the hotel’s main wing, the majority of which was transacted in 2019 for EUR 750,000, resold in 2021 for EUR 3.5 million, and subsequently alienated in 2023 for EUR 5.8 million to a company controlled by Manevi, an entity associated with the Hungarian state. The buildings remained under the management of those respective companies even after the dissolution of the KEOMA foundation by the government in Budapest.
The Ardealul Hotel building (formerly the Crucea Albă / White Cross Hotel) was erected between 1840 and 1841 according to plans by architect Franz Mahler, on the site of an 18th-century stagecoach post, becoming a hotel in 1868. The landmark has hosted notable historic events, including the establishment of the Arad Cultural Association in 1863 and a gathering of over 300 Romanian leaders from Transylvania led by Alexandru Mocioni in 1872. It also welcomed concerts and visits from prominent cultural figures such as Franz Liszt, Johann Strauss Jr., Johannes Brahms, Pablo Casals, George Enescu, Ion Luca Caragiale, George Coșbuc, and Octavian Goga.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Arad County Council decline to purchase the spaces?
The County Council determined the units lack immediate administrative or public utility, and the purchase along with high restoration costs for a historic monument would burden the local budget.
What is the asking price for the three spaces?
The private owner is asking a total of €2.45 million (also cited as €2.5 million in official documentation) for apartments 4, 6A, and 6D.
Who owns the main building of the former Ardealul Hotel?
The majority of the main building was sold in 2023 for €5.8 million to a company controlled by Manevi, an entity associated with the Hungarian state.