NKVD House, Serebrebbikovskaya street 23, building of "NKVD House, Serebrebbikovskaya street 23", Russia
The NKVD House at Serebrebbikovskaya street 23 is a large residential building from the 1930s built according to constructivist principles, combining multiple functions in a single structure: apartments, a hotel, a shop, and a dining room. The P-shaped layout consists of three sections of varying heights with five to seven floors, thick brick walls, large window panels on lower levels, and balconies marking the corners.
The building was constructed in 1932 for secret police employees and was part of a larger Soviet project to create housing for state officials. The project involved several similar buildings, of which this one is protected as a regional cultural monument, making it one of the few remaining examples of this housing group.
The house was originally designed for secret police workers and reflects their role in Soviet society. The residents maintain a strong connection to the place's history and share stories about the building's past among themselves.
The building has multiple entrances, but most are accessible only from the inner courtyard, which can make navigation challenging. Parking is limited since the courtyard is small, so visitors should plan accordingly.
The building contains high ceilings and large rooms once equipped with fireplaces that no longer function, retaining a trace of earlier elegance. The kitchens are unusually small and were designed for servants, offering a rare glimpse into living arrangements of that time.
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