Ilsur Metshin: "The Passage arcade is waiting for the people of St. Petersburg to...

(KZN.RU, July 12, by Ekaterina Andreeva) The restoration and recovery of an architectural monument of national importance, Alexandrovsky Passage (21 Kremlyovskaya Street), officially kicked off in Kazan. Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin acquainted himself with the investor’s long- and short-term plans.

General Director of the St. Petersburg company that owns the building -- CJSC "Petersburg Real Estate" (PAN) -- Igor Shopotov told the mayor that currently the concept of the building is being developed under the guidance of a St. Petersburg architect Lydia Ukhova. Six options for the Kazan building restoration are under consideration.

“Alexandrovsky Passage will most likely house a 5-star hotel having 100 -- 200 rooms. Restaurants and cafes will be located at the ground floor,” said the PAN General Director. "This is the main street facade; the location is close to the Kremlin. Therefore, it’s a good idea to open a hotel of this standard,” agreed Ilsur Metshin.

According to the investor, the problem is that the building is going to be restored rather than built anew. The investor is intent on carefully preserving all the details of the interior, many of which have fortunately survived.

"Alexandrovsky Passage is a building with a difficult past. 130 years ago, it was built by St. Petersburg architects, and, apparently, it has been waiting for a St. Petersburg group to take it into its own hands. We are very happy. The spirit of the northern capital is returning to the main street of Kazan,” said Ilsur Metshin. “Our residents will be looking forward to the revival of one of Kazan’s most beautiful buildings. Especially those who care about the preservation of historical and architectural heritage," concluded the mayor.

For your information:
Alexandrovsky Passage is a monument of national significance; it’s an architectural gem of Tatarstan’s capital, built in 1883 – 86 and combining a variety of styles. It was one of the first arcades built in Russia. The apartment building was commissioned by a famous merchant and philanthropist M.S.Aleksandrov and designed by graduates of the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts V.V.Suslov and N.I.Pozdeev under supervision of the famous architect Henrich Rusch.