Restart of "Polukamushkov": housing for incoming specialists or an event center?

      A hackathon was held to develop the concept of renovating the historical quarter in Zelenodolsk

      Render of the project team "City Kremlin of Zelenodolsk". Photo: provided by the press service of the Institute for the Development of Cities of Tatarstan

      Two development projects for the historical quarter "Polukamushki" in Zelenodolsk were created during the hackathon "Cities," which involved young architects, urban planners, economists, and restorers from all over Russia. More details on which project the judges chose: "City Kremlin of Zelenodolsk" or "Living Station" — can be found in the article by "Real Time."

      Built, burned, and will be revived?

      The all-Russian urban hackathon "Cities" was organized by the ANO "Creative Economy" and the Institute for the Development of Cities of Tatarstan. 13 participants were invited to come up with a concept for the development of a unique yet problematic quarter in Zelenodolsk over five days, including immersion in the city. "Polukamushki" is a historical area of stone houses built between 1897 and 1902 by the Volga-Vyshersk Franco-Russian Joint Stock Company for engineers of a French steel plant. The buildings were topped with wooden second floors in 1932. Later, they had extensions, and eventually, they turned into emergency housing, which was sold off at auction to investors. However, three properties remained with the municipality.

      In 2025, thanks to winning the all-Russian competition for the best projects for creating a comfortable urban environment, the area saw upgrades to engineering networks, lighting, and road surfaces. But the precious "Polukamushki" territory has not yet been transformed.

      For two days, hackathon participants studied the historical quarter, and then they worked for two days and nights on projects that were evaluated by a jury. Among others, the jury included the assistant to the head of Tatarstan, Olesya Baltusova, and the head of the Zelenodolsky district, Mikhail Afanasyev.

      — We specifically divided the topics with our curatorial and moderating group, so you have a challenging task today because you will have to choose. And already at the pre-defense, everyone was asking how we could combine the two solutions, — intrigued the hackathon curator Anastasia Uspenskaya.

      Render of the project "Living Station." provided by the press service of the Institute for the Development of Cities of Tatarstan

      A cluster of challenges

      One of the experts — co-founder of the Institute of Urban Studies "Tamga," Maria Leontyeva, reminded that the quarter has a general development concept, a master plan for improvement is being implemented under the auspices of the Institute for the Development of Cities, and 15 properties have real owners:

      — Now we need to launch life in "Polukamushki," — stated Leontyeva. — And many investors are waiting for some clear vision of what this place is about to further engage with their properties.

      — "Polukamushki" is just a cluster of challenges, — pointed out the second expert, co-founder and partner of the architectural bureau "Khvoja," Ilya Spiridonov. — This includes the protective status, the various developments over time, and the current surroundings of the quarter with new buildings, which affects both flows and the planning structure.

      The first team proposed the concept "Living Station." Zelenodolsk is a green, quiet, yet working city, the authors emphasized. Many people here daily travel from the upper part to the lower, to the industrial part, primarily to the shipbuilding plant. At the same time, studies showed that the city lacks rental housing options. Therefore, the team proposed to create apartments, townhouses, hostels, hotels, and apartments in the quarter along with public spaces. Moreover, they suggested orienting residential facades towards private garden territories and front gardens.

      Municipal properties were proposed to be transformed into centers — for longevity, professional orientation for youth, and a cultural center.

      "Is this a cozy story or is it activity, movement, Patriki?" — asked Mikhail Afanasyev. He received the response: "We would like it to be a more cozy story because it is located within a residential area." The district head reacted that he was in solidarity with the authors on this point. However, one of the residents of Zelenodolsk who came to the presentation sharply opposed the team, saying that the quarter should not be given to outsiders.

      The project team "City Kremlin of Zelenodolsk" focused on properties that are already in municipal ownership and those adjacent to them. provided by the press service of the Institute for the Development of Cities of Tatarstan

      The Kremlin won!

      The concept "City Kremlin of Zelenodolsk," which transforms "Polukamushki" into an event-public-cultural center while preserving brick socles, wooden floors, and the spirit of neighborhood community, won by points. It also includes the construction of a "Kremlin tower" in the form of a factory chimney. The authors proposed to create an event hall, a cultural center, and a book space on the territory, and allocated 25 million rubles for the restoration of one building.

      Dmitry Smirnov, founder of "Project Group 8," as a jury member, pointed out that such activity might provoke protests from residents of neighboring high-rises, but the team noted that another green public space would be created for them.

      — In general, what both hackathon teams presented has the right to exist, — summed up Mikhail Afanasyev for "Real Time." — In principle, the concepts partly coincide: openness, accessibility for people, preservation of history, hospitality, and frugality considering the realities that exist today. This aligns with the city's vision, our general plan, and the public discussions we have conducted. I believe this place will be a site for collaboration of various projects, but none of them will be eternal.

      — As I already told the participants — life puts everything in its place, — added the district head. — Accordingly, we expect this territory to be filled with various projects so that people find it interesting to come to this place. This includes museums, cafes, public spaces, and municipal institutions, offices of architectural and IT companies. We would like there to be as much diversity as possible.

      The responsibility for the implementation of the project will also lie with the producer of "Polukamushki" — since July 30, the Institute for the Development of Cities of Tatarstan, together with the Zelenodolsky district, has announced an open competition for this position. The application period ended on August 4.

      Radif Kashapov