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Demolition begins at Elektrozavod, one of Moscow’s most striking examples of industrial architecture. The developer promises to preserve its facades, but they could be replaced with replicas.

Source: Meduza

Some structures at the Elektrozavod factory complex — one of Moscow’s most striking examples of industrial architecture — have already been demolished. Until 2025, the complex had temporary protection as a site provisionally recognized for its cultural heritage. But like many other historic buildings, it was never added to the Unified State Register of Cultural Heritage Sites. Meduza’s previous coverage examined this in detail. Etalon Group, which owns Elektrozavod, gained the right to begin demolition.

Amid a campaign to save Elektrozavod, Etalon said it would “preserve the facades and recognizable features of the historic buildings, integrating them into the modern urban environment.” The company plans to build a residential complex on the site. According to a presentation, the factory buildings will house an office for MTS Group.

It remains unclear whether even the facades of the historic buildings will be preserved or replaced with replicas. The Russian architecture outlet Archi.ru said the developer had yet to present its plans and had issued only lengthy statements. The outlet launched a petition calling for the preservation of Elektrozavod’s historic buildings and a public discussion of the project. As of September 8, more than 19,000 people had signed the petition, an open letter to Moscow’s mayor.

Demolition at Elektrozavod began back in July. Meduza is publishing eyewitness photographs showing what is happening at the site now.

Photograph provided to Meduza by an eyewitness.

At Meduza, we are committed to transparency about our use of artificial intelligence in the newsroom. The story you’re reading was written by one of our living, breathing journalists and translated from Russian using an AI model configured to follow our strict editorial standards. This translation process is the result of extensive testing and refinements to ensure our English-language coverage is timely and accurate. A Meduza editor reviews every draft before publication.

If you find any errors in this translation, please contact us at reports@meduza.io.

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Demolition begins at Elektrozavod, one of Moscow’s most striking examples of industrial architecture. The developer promises to preserve its facades, but they could be replaced with replicas.

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