In Odesa, a landmark of national significance is on the verge of collapse

One of Odessa’s most famous historic buildings—the Semicircular House on European Square—is in critical condition. Following an on-site inspection, representatives of the city government and public utilities confirmed the extensive damage that residents had been reporting for years.

This was reported byVadym Morokhovsky, a member of the Odessa City Council.

An on-site inspection of the Semicircular Building at 1 European Square in Odesa was conducted following numerous complaints from residents regarding its dilapidated condition. Representatives of municipal services and a team led by Odesa City Council Deputy Morokhovsky participated in the inspection.

<picture></picture>The semi-circular building in Odesa. PHOTO: Vadym Morokhovsky

The inspection revealed that the building, which has the status of an architectural monument of national significance, is in extremely poor technical condition. Residents reported long-standing problems with a leaking roof, crumbling walls, and the collapse of the attic floor above one of the apartments.

As Vadym Morokhovsky noted, what he saw on site confirmed the worst fears regarding the building’s condition. Previously, however, utility services had stated in their responses that no significant violations had been found during inspections, and they attributed the causes of the damage to other circumstances.

After the inspection, the parties concluded that the issue of residents’ safety could no longer be postponed. Plans are in place to initiate a comprehensive technical inspection of the building, establish a special commission, and develop measures to resolve the emergency situation.

<picture></picture>The Semi-Circular Building in Odesa. PHOTO: Vadym Morokhovsky

Authorities promise to keep the condition of the Semi-Circular Building under constant monitoring and to inform the public about further decisions and the results of inspections.

In April, an online petition was filed in Odesa demanding the protection of the architectural landmark at 10 Frantsuzsky Boulevard and greater transparency in decisions regarding cultural heritage. The petition’s initiator warns of the risk of the historic building’s destruction and calls on city authorities to intervene immediately.

Анна Бальчінос