THE 3 YEAR RESTORATION OF THE NARKOMFIN BUILDING IS COMPLETE

One of the most iconic examples of constructivism in Moscow had been in ruins for decades. Built in the late 1920s for the People's Commissariat of Finance personnel, it became a building-manifesto of the new style. The restoration of the seven-story building, which stands close to Novinsky Boulevard, began in April 2017 and was undertaken by the architect Alexey Ginzburg, the grandson of Moisey Ginzburg - the author of the project.

Sergey Sobyanin, the Mayor of Moscow, attended the opening. In his speech Mr. Sobyanin mentioned that “the Narkomfin building was perhaps one of the most difficult projects to deal with, since it was included in the "100 of the World’s Most Endangered Architecture Monuments" list." and noted that "thanks to Alexey Ginzburg, this architecture monument of regional value now looks exactly the same as his grandfather's original project."

What had been done during the restoration? All the added structures and extensions to the building were dismantled. The existing roof and exterior walls as well as the lost fragment of the communal block glass facade, the original layout of interior spaces and the utility systems hidden inside floor slabs and walls were restored.

According to Mr. Sobyanin, almost all flats in the restored Narkomfin building have been sold out. The residential block accommodates several different types of apartments  - small units for one person (or for couples without children) from 30 sq. m and large units for families - up to 120 sq. m. Top floor is equipped with two suites for short-term rent. Apartments are sold with floor and wall finishes to avoid any redevelopments by the future residents - Narkomfin building interiors are subject to monument protection.

The four-storey communal block with a laundry and a dining room was also restored. It will accommodate cafes, bookstores and an event area.

Photo by: Vitaliy Belousov/MIA “Russia today”

Source: “Moskvich MAG”