Today, May 19, at 10:00 AM took place the official opening of the competition among architects for the best concept of renovation of Michelson buildings. The architectural ensemble located at 35-37 Pushkinska street, have been standing empty for almost 20 years and being destroyed by atmospheric conditions.

During the presentation, the guests were told about the main idea of the competition, which is the renovation of late nineteenth century Michelson apartment houses and the revival of their functions. The sponsor of event NEST management believes, that competition is a real chance that buildings will get a second life. As was said by company information policy adviser Victoria Yakovleva, NEST has 17 years of experience in historical buildings renovation in Kyiv. Among other projects the developer restored the following architectural monuments: BC Renaissance on the 24 Vorovskogo street, BC Eurasia on 73-79 Zhylianska street, 73-79, business center on 12 Mikhailovska street and constructed residential complex Pokrovsky Posad, designed in historical style. "Competition of renovation of Michelson buildings is a first but decisive step into the future, where a productive trilateral cooperation will take place: between the developer, the city authorities and the public," - says Ms. Yakovleva.

Giving a welcoming speech, Director of City Planning and Architecture Department Sergei Tselovalnik stressed the importance of restoring old buildings. He named their modern state unacceptable and in need to be changed as soon as possible. In response to the residents of nearby houses passionate protest against carrying out any work on adjoining territory due to unfavorable geological situation, Sergey assured that modern innovative technology can solve any problem of this nature. "Sturdy house can even be constructed on the water. Renovation can and must take place, we you only need to understand what and why, "- said the chief architect of the capital.

Head of Shevchenko district administration Oleg Garyaga confirmed the readiness of the authorities to take an active part in the competition and support comprehensive cooperation in good faith by controlling the legality of actions and taking into account the interests of the developer and residents of the neighborhood.

The members of the jury who took part in the event were: deputy of City Council Valentina Mandryk and Victoria Kustova, Ukrproectrestavtavracia CEO Olga Rutkowski, Kyiv historian Michailo Kalnitsky, Kyiv City Council urbanism coordinator Gregory Melnichuk. In addition Deputy Chairman of the National Union of Architects Elena Oleynik and representatives of the public will also participate in discussion and evaluation of the project. Opening of the competition was also attended by representatives of the Kyiv and Lviv architectural firms and Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture students, who are expected to produce fresh and modern ideas for the project.

During the contest, scheduled to finish on July 21, series of discussions of the proposed operations with jury and the representatives of public including local residents is planned. Extensive attraction of local residents will enable everyone to express their views and to evaluate the creative results. "Only under conditions of complete understanding and satisfaction of all parties, we can design and implement truly best project that will serve as an decoration of the city, comfortable housing for future tenants, and center of neighborliness for owners of new apartments and nearby buildings residents," – they are sure in NEST.