New Zealand Ambassador Ian Hill has familiarized himself with progress of the reconstruction works conducted at the New Zealand’s Embassy at 44, Povarskaya Street.
GlavUpDK deputy head Alexander Domanov gave the New Zealand ambassador a tour of the mansion, from the basement to the top floor, and told him about reconstruction progress.
The ambassador said he gave much attention to the works underway in the building and actively contributed to the discussion of rooms’ functions. Preservation of the mansion’s historical appearance is a focal point.
GlavUpDK architects and builders are thoroughly restoring the original appearance of the cultural heritage site. The restorers often make discoveries. For instance, unique stucco molding has been discovered in the course of ceiling restoration; it will be restored to the fullest extent.
The ambassador hailed the tempo and quality of reconstruction works and thanked GlavUpDK for its work. He said he intended to visit the mansion in December. The building’s façade and roof will be restored by then, and specialists will concentrate on the interior.
Background information:
The mansion at 44, Povarskaya Street, is a remarkable example of Moscow’s modernist architecture. It is also an outstanding work by architect L.N. Kekushev demonstrating features which make the master’s style unique and easily recognizable: the asymmetric composition of the mansion, abundant sculptures, etc.
The building on Povarskaya Street went down in history as the mansion of I.A. Mindovsky. The construction ended in 1904, and the mansion remained property of Moscow Commerce and Construction Joint Stock Society practically until the end of the 1900s, until it was purchased by manufacturer I.A. Mindovsky.
The mansion stands on the corner of Povarskaya Street and Skaryatinsky Lane: the corner itself is occupied by the principal house, and the utility building’s entrance overlooks Skaryatinsky Lane. The façade in Skaryatinsky Lane is decorated with two bay windows, a delicate fence with a gate, whose metal doors and grilles depict butterfly wings.
The mansion was nationalized in 1918. The Swedish mission moved in in 1924, and the Swedish ambassador to the Soviet Union had the mansion as his residence until the 1970s. The mansion has been accommodating the New Zealand Embassy since 1972.
The mansion of I.A. Mindovsky, the outhouse and the fence are federal cultural heritage sites.