A construction fence has appeared around the historic 'Kyzyl Tan Fabric House' in Almaty. Correspondents from Kursiv LifeStyle visited the site to find out what is happening and why residents have questions about the upcoming restoration, reports infohub.kz.
At the site, metal structures and fencing are visible, partially covering the well-known facade. Construction equipment and traces of work are also noticeable on the premises.
Workers are currently installing banners on the fence with beautiful words about caring for the future of Almaty residents. Unlike many construction sites and renovations in Almaty, the building has an object passport displayed.
According to the passport, restoration of the merchant I. Gabduvaliyev's trading house will begin in August 2026 and should be completed by December. The customer is Almaty Tourism Bureau LLP, and the contractor is Enbek LLP.
According to data from the government procurement website, the bureau and contractor signed a contract for the building's repair worth 455 million tenge.
"The appearance of the object will not change; only restoration is being carried out," reads the inscription on the banner.
The restoration of the iconic Almaty building drew public attention in September 2025, when social media posts suggested the 'Kyzyl Tan Fabric House' might be demolished. At that time, Almaty Creative assured that there was no threat to the historic building. After repairs, they promised to create a space for developing Kazakh designers and brands—a creative fashion cluster.
Earlier, Almaty Creative also promised to hold an open discussion of the project with residents. The meeting was initially scheduled for October 2025, then postponed to mid-November, but a new date has not been announced.
'Kyzyl Tan' is an architectural monument of the late 19th to early 20th century in Almaty, located at the intersection of Valikhanov and Zhibek Zholy streets. The building of the former Verny trading house was constructed in 1912 according to the design of A. P. Zenkov (according to other sources, in 1896 according to the design of P. V. Gurde). Since 1982, it has been protected by the state as a monument of republican significance.
Earlier, Kursiv LifeStyle reported on the demolition of a historic building from the Verny period. The house, presumably owned by merchant Iskhak Gabduvaliyev, was razed to the ground to make way for a new 12-story business center.