"Postmodern insolence". In Polotsk, an 18th-century historical provisions warehouse will be converted into a hotel

On the territory of the Upper Castle in Polotsk, the reconstruction of an early classicism architectural monument into a hotel and restaurant complex is underway. The "restoration" of the architectural monument, as declared by investors, will turn into its actual reconstruction with the addition of a new floor and the removal of authentic plaster.

As writes the "Polotsky Vestnik" publication, on October 9, 2026, a meeting took place on the territory of the historical building at Zamkovaya Street, 5, with the participation of Belarus's First Deputy Prime Minister Nikolay Snopkov. Igor Zhabarovsky, General Director of the investing company "Skarb Servis", presented a plan to adapt the object into a boutique hotel. The building itself was acquired by the company in 2025.

Павялічыць

The total investment volume is estimated at 8.5 million rubles. The project envisages the creation of 17 rooms for 36 guests on the second and new floors. A restaurant will be located on the first floor, and a separate pavilion for 48 seats for celebrations is planned nearby. The active phase of construction work is expected to begin in 2027.

Павялічыць

The development of project documentation was carried out by the enterprise "InEr Bud" under the scientific guidance of Vladislav Ruta. It is officially stated that the project focuses on preserving authenticity, but the published renders show a number of constructive and visual changes.

The roof level is planned to be raised to equip a full-fledged third floor with continuous ribbon glazing. One of the renders shows that the plaster is knocked off to the bare brick for the hotel sign. Experts point out that such a technique violates the symmetrical composition of the facade.

Павялічыць

Павялічыць

In the late 2000s - early 2010s, a thorough and expensive scientific restoration had already been carried out in the building. Then the foundations were strengthened, the roof was replaced, and historical openings and arches were restored.

"A pretty good restoration has been done now. With attention to details and colors. At one time, people specifically went to see this object as a good example, and colleagues asked to select a similar color for metal painting, which very well conveys the character of historical patina," commented a Belarusian architect-restorer who wished to remain anonymous.

Against this background, the current reconstruction project causes sharp disapproval in the professional community. Experts point to an outdated approach and a complete misunderstanding by the authors of the essence of working with historical volumes.

"The proposal is a postmodern insolence that has nothing to do with restoration and heritage protection," notes the specialist. "This is how yesterday's modernist architects, who had seen pictures in magazines, heard something about 'the contrast of new and old,' but understood nothing about the system of values of a historical object, designed and 'understood' monuments in the 1990s-2000s.

There are big questions here regarding the competence and honesty of the scientific supervisor who 'justifies' such decisions. Because the proposal simply destroys the integrity of the perception of the volume: it cuts off the roof and creates an aggressive, prolonged compositional rupture. If we set aside methodological contradictions, then the architecture here is utterly helpless. The very same tasks could have been solved with taste, while preserving the integrity of the monument."

Павялічыць

The building is also burdened by very cramped conditions, as it is separated from the street it stands on by a fence of the closed territory of the Polotsk Cadet School. The investor wants to obtain an additional plot of land for parking.

The former provisions warehouse is an architectural monument of early classicism and has the status of a historical and cultural value of the 2nd category (republican significance). The two-story building was constructed in 1772-1778 according to the project of provincial architect Ivan Siegfriedan after Polotsk became part of the Russian Empire. Its main facade was historically characterized by monumentality, decorated with corner pilasters, niches with arched lintels, and culminated in a hip roof with a large central pediment. Prior to the reconstruction, the building was in satisfactory condition with a restored plastered facade.

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