Today’s article about St. Petersburg’s unusual buildings is dedicated to the Lensovet residential complex on Moskovsky Prospekt.
Lensovet Residential Buildings: History
The Lensovet residential buildings were intended to house employees of the Lensovet, Leningrad’s highest governing body. The complex was an important part of the area’s architectural ensemble. The south façade of one of the buildings faces Moskovskaya Square, which was meant to become the city’s new administrative center. When the residential complex was being constructed, the House of Soviets was rising on the square’s eastern side—it was the largest pre-war public building in Leningrad.
The buildings were constructed in 1937–1940. The architects were A. I. Gegello and S. V. Vasilkovsky.
Because the Lensovet buildings were intended for high-ranking officials, special requirements were imposed on them. Some sources refer to these as “upgraded-type houses.” They contained three-, four-, and five-room apartments ranging from 54 to 106 square meters, kitchens of about 10 square meters, built-in closets, and a ventilation system. The latter made it possible to dispense with vent panes which, according to specialists of the time, spoiled window muntins.
Literature from the 1940s also notes the high quality of construction work. This is attributed not only to the use of quality materials but also to good organization of the work process and coordination between architects and builders.
The ground floors of the Lensovet buildings were intended for commercial premises. Almost immediately after construction, two grocery stores opened there. Today, judging by online maps, the buildings house restaurants and cafés, a tableware shop, a beauty salon, a travel agency, and a dental clinic.
There are no listings for apartments for sale in these buildings on property sites, but one apartment is available for short-term rental. A night in a 25-square-meter studio starts from 1,980 rubles. I also came across listings for apartments in the neighboring courtyard building (Moskovsky Prospekt, 206, Building 1, constructed in 1956). A two-room apartment there costs 17,900,000 rubles.
How to Get There by Metro
The addresses of the Lensovet residential buildings are 206 and 208 Moskovsky Prospekt. The easiest way to get here is from Moskovskaya metro station, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the buildings.
There are other interesting attractions near the complex: the Chesme Church and the House of Soviets.
Have a nice trip!
