Demolition underway at Moscow's historic Elektrozavod factory complex
Demolition has begun at Moscow's Elektrozavod complex, a landmark of industrial architecture, despite the developer's pledge to preserve its facades. Critics fear the historic features will be replaced with modern replicas.
Demolition is continuing at the Elektrozavod factory complex in Moscow, widely regarded as one of the city's most striking examples of industrial architecture. Some structures at the site have already been torn down, with work having started back in July.
Until 2025, the complex held temporary protection as a site provisionally recognized for its cultural heritage value. However, like many other historic Russian buildings, it was never formally added to the Unified State Register of Cultural Heritage Sites. This gap allowed Etalon Group, the company that owns the complex, to obtain the right to proceed with demolition.
A pledge to keep the facades
Facing public pressure to save the site, Etalon Group stated it intends to "preserve the facades and recognizable features of the historic buildings, integrating them into the modern urban environment." The developer plans to build a residential complex on the grounds, and according to a presentation, the former factory buildings are set to house an office for MTS Group.
It remains unclear, though, whether the original facades will actually survive or simply be replaced with replicas. The Russian architecture publication Archi.ru has noted that the developer has not yet released concrete plans, offering only lengthy general statements instead.
Petition gathers thousands of signatures
In response, Archi.ru launched a petition calling for the preservation of Elektrozavod's historic buildings and for a public discussion of the redevelopment project. Addressed as an open letter to Moscow's mayor, the petition had gathered more than 19,000 signatures as of September 8.
