Budowa łaźni publicznej przy ul. Staszica w Kielcach (1915–1925)

World War I led to the deterioration of the sanitary state of the city caused by insufficient service of modest municipal infrastructure, sudden increase in population as well as flow of people, which created constant threat of an epidemic. Since 1915, numerous efforts were made, both social and administration, in order to construct modern public baths. In an unsuccessful tender for an architectural design, opened in 1918, an outstanding Czech architect connected with the city of Hradec Kralove, Oldrich Liska, took part. Finally, the main building of the baths was constructed in the years 1921 – 1923 according to an architectural design of Wacław Nowakowski, city architect. It was situated close to a river and a city park and its architectural design referred to the Polish artistic tradition. The construction costs were covered by the city authorities supported financially by the state government. Despite the needs for bath services in the city deprived of any sewerage system and water supply system, the new baths were not well attended. It was mostly because the inhabitants of Kielce were afraid of infectious diseases but also due to faulty technical equipment, especially pumps and boilers, which resulted in the temporary closer of the baths in 1925.