Здание акимата Западно-Казахстанской области, Administrative building in Uralsk, Kazakhstan.
The West Kazakhstan Region administration building is a neoclassical structure with three floors, including a semi-basement level, and features a P-shaped layout. The design displays typical elements of this architectural style with its symmetrical arrangement and formal proportions.
The building was constructed between 1904 and 1905 as the Uralsk branch of the Russian Trade and Industrial Commercial Bank and was originally designed for banking purposes. It later transitioned into a regional administrative center as the city's needs and governance structures changed.
The facade displays sculptures of Cossacks created by local artist N.G. Kalentyev, along with two lions guarding the main entrance that give the building its distinctive appearance. These figures are a recognizable part of the city's visual landscape and what people notice when passing by.
The facility is accessible on weekdays during daytime hours, with a lunch break to keep in mind if you need to conduct business. Visitors should verify opening times in advance as they may vary seasonally or by circumstance.
The basement contains the original power generation equipment that once served the building during its banking era, which was managed by engineer Andrey Winkler. This mechanical system represents the self-sufficient infrastructure that supported the bank's operations.
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