Хамовнический полицейский дом, Police and fire station in Khamovniki, Russia.
The Khamovniki Police House is a red brick structure with a carefully restored watchtower situated at the intersection of Komsomolsky Prospekt and Trubetskaya Street in Moscow. The building continues to serve as Fire Station Number 17, blending its historical features with contemporary operational needs.
The building was designed in 1897 by architect Anatoly Gunst and originally incorporated a church bell tower that was repurposed as a fire watchtower for the district. During World War II, the tower was demolished in 1941 to prevent German aircraft from using it as a navigation landmark.
A private apartment on the second floor became a gathering space for artists, writers, and musicians during Moscow's early 1900s cultural renaissance. The salon reflected how this building served purposes beyond its official role in the neighborhood.
The building sits at a prominent street corner where the red brick structure and tower are easily visible from a distance, making it simple to locate. Visitors should focus on viewing the exterior and its architectural details, as the interior remains in active use as a working fire station.
The watchtower was demolished in 1941 to deny German aircraft a visual landmark, yet it was faithfully reconstructed in the 2010s and received a restoration award. This project demonstrates a commitment to recovering the structure's original appearance.
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