This decaying apartment building is located at Lenhossék utca (formerly Szvetenay utca) 5, in an area that has long grappled with poverty and its associated issues, including criminality and drug addiction, rendering it still considered unsafe. However, this area is undergoing significant changes, with many old buildings being demolished and replaced by large condominiums. During one of my initial walks in this area, around 2020 or 2021, I met Dénes, a social worker with whom I had the opportunity to visit several apartment buildings, some of which no longer stand. You can also check out my post about an old house on Balázs Béla utca, which has been emptied since my visit.

While researching the history of this house, I came across an article in the “Az Újság” newspaper recounting the tale of József Gyurinka, known as the “noxious fisherman,” who had a notorious history of robbery, theft, and alcoholism. In February 1906, he was confronted by individuals from whom he had stolen valuables in a pub located within the building depicted in my pictures. In response, he brandished a revolver, threatening them with death. This incident was just one of many crimes committed by Gyurinka, who had first been incarcerated at the age of 12.

Tragically, Gyurinka ultimately took the life of his wife, Lidia Kullik, following a confrontation between them on Klauzál square in 1909. He was arrested and sentenced to three years in prison. However, I couldn’t uncover any further information about his fate thereafter.