An architectural treasure at risk: A historical property in Lipki is being marketed “for renovation” with intentions to unlawfully enlarge the premises.
Situated in the core of Kyiv, on Kruglouniversitetskaya Street within the Pecherskyi district, a dual-level residence is being offered for purchase. The advertisement distinctly emphasizes that the edifice is “earmarked for refurbishment”—it previously accommodated the State Specialized Design Bureau of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine (GSPI), and now stands unoccupied undergoing repairs. Nevertheless, any operations beyond reinstatement are forbidden here: the neoclassical structure, erected in 1892, represents a landmark of architectural and urban design. Nevertheless, it appears that the present possessors have resolved to “overlook” these limitations.
This information was shared by “Informator”.
An advertisement for the disposal of a venerable estate in Lipki, situated at 16/7 Kruglouniversitetskaya Street, has surfaced on dedicated websites and through brokerage firms. The structure is specified as encompassing a surface area of 2,500 square meters, and the 0.15 hectares of terrain beneath are leased under a pact. Parties interested in allocating funds towards restoration are likewise urged to contemplate this holding.
“This structure is designated for overhaul and presents substantial prospects for capital investment. It resides within a bustling locale distinguished by considerable footfall and an appealing geographical context within Kyiv’s historic section. Moreover, it prides itself on outstanding transportation connections and accessible entry points,” praises the Kyiv-based Mayak property firm.
The firm highlights that the edifice comprises a pair of levels on the Kruglouniversitetskaya Street frontage (plus one garret, manifestly apparent in the photograph). Concurrently, it is conveyed that building personnel are actively “engaged in expanding the building’s usable space,” signifying alterations to its proportions, subsequent to which “the comprehensive area will amount to 3,500 square meters.” This engenders a predicament as it contravenes the legislation: congruent with websites addressing Kyiv’s past heritage and monuments, the dwelling, constructed during 1892-1893, holds the status of a recognized architectural and urban development landmark in accordance with a 2007 mandate issued by the Ministry of Culture (safeguard number 417-Kv).
The neoclassical edifice has preserved much of its form, and until recently the archaic Soviet street marker remained unharmed.
“Informator” ascertained that until the middle of the 2010s, this residence accommodated the State Specialized Design Institute of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine (GSPI). Nonetheless, it has stood uninhabited since around 2016. The Mayak property corporation asserts that an elevator passage has already been fitted and “selective dismantling has been concluded.” Meanwhile, designs and representations of the residence’s refurbishment scheme are obtainable on supplementary property websites. They unequivocally depict an augmentation in the edifice’s magnitude, coupled with the inclusion of a minimum of one level.
The dwelling is presently priced at $2.7 million. Realtors are implying its suitability as an “office, financial institution, hotel, delegation, or embassy” – the placement is genuinely superior, given that government infrastructures and the Office of the President of Ukraine reside within a radius of 200 meters. However, realtors are likewise not precluding “reconstruction directed towards erecting a residential edifice incorporating integrated areas and subterranean parking” – a scenario which, considering Kyiv’s conditions, could translate to obliterating the residence to yield to yet another opulent residential establishment.
