Friends, today we’re once again setting off on a virtual walk through St. Petersburg. This time, I’d like to introduce you to the history of the Esders and Scheefhals department store building, located at the intersection of the Moika River and Gorokhovaya Street. I think many readers of my blog will agree that this is one of the most remarkable and unique buildings in this part of the city.
A Building by the Red Bridge: From History to the Present
Buildings on this site existed as early as the first half of the 18th century. A newspaper from 1746, for instance, included a notice about a house for sale once located here. Over the centuries, the land changed hands many times. At various points, it belonged to Vice President of the Justice Collegium Friedrich von Bremer, royal tailor Christian Friedrich Poppe, master tailor Karl Heideman, and merchant Nikolai Menshikov. Each change of ownership brought changes to the building itself.
The previous building on this spot housed both residential and commercial spaces. By 1906, the premises were occupied by the Esders and Scheefhals company, and construction of a new department store began the same year. Work on the building lasted about a year.
The project was designed by architects V. A. Lipsky and K. N. de Rochefort, both known for designing dozens of apartment buildings, mansions, and public structures throughout St. Petersburg.
The new Esders and Scheefhals department store sold shoes, clothing, and accessories. The store, considered one of the world’s first department stores, was also known by another name: Au Pont Rouge ("By the Red Bridge"). Interestingly, the name could have been different — until 1808, the Red Bridge was actually known as the White Bridge, but the newer name is the one that stuck.
With its enormous display windows, the department store is a striking example of proto-Constructivist Art Nouveau. Its dominant feature is the large corner tower. Visitors to St. Petersburg will likely notice that the Esders and Scheefhals building resembles the Singer House on Nevsky Prospect — which in fact inspired the design of this store. The tower we see today is modern, built during restoration work that took place between 2009 and 2014. The original structure was demolished in the first half of the 20th century.
After the revolution, the building was home to the Central Sewing Factory (later the Sewing Association). In 2015, the historic department store was returned to its commercial roots, and today, the shopping center once again bears the name Au Pont Rouge.
How to Get There by Metro
The department store is located at 73 Moika River Embankment / 15 Gorokhovaya Street — right in the heart of St. Petersburg. It’s about a five-minute walk from Admiralteyskaya metro station.
According to the store’s website, shops are open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Some of the city’s most famous landmarks are located nearby: St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Alexander Garden, the Hermitage, and the General Staff Building.
Have a nice trip!
