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Almaty has transformed into a vast construction site، with multiple significant landmarks simultaneously undergoing demolition، renovation، and reconstruction. While these changes are reshaping the city's appearance، they have also raised concerns among residents regarding the historical value of some structures and the timelines for these extensive projects.

Demolished Structures

Residents were recently surprised by the demolition of the former "Zhetysu" hotel، originally built in 1908. This building was notable not only for its age but also for its historical connections، with some accounts suggesting that Leon Trotsky resided there during the winter of 1928.

According to the State Assets Management Department، the two-story building at 45 Gogol Street was not included in the list of historical and cultural monuments and lacked official status. Since 2022، the building had been largely unused due to its poor technical condition. However، locals noted that a district police unit was recently housed there.

Following a technical inspection in 2025، the building was declared dilapidated and irreparable، leading to the decision for its demolition. The site is currently vacant، and the land parcel has been transferred to the state land reserve. The future of this location remains uncertain as the building lacks a formal passport.

Another lost landmark is the building of City Maternity Hospital No. 1، constructed in 1938، which was demolished just a month ago. Officials stated that technical inspections revealed 100% wear on the building's supporting structures and engineering systems. Furthermore، the old maternity hospital did not meet modern medical care standards.

A large pit has now been excavated at the site. The project plans include the construction of a three-story building exceeding 10،000 square meters، designed to accommodate 155 beds. The construction is slated to take 15 months.

Renovation Projects

School-Gymnasium No. 56 entered a renovation phase in the autumn of 2025. The contractor's methods drew public attention after videos circulated on social media showing workers dismantling a prominent cornice. The city administration later assured that the building's historic facade would be preserved. The gymnasium's renovation is ongoing and scheduled for completion by April 2026.

The building housing the Almalinsky district administration is also undergoing renovation. Concerns have been raised by residents about changes to its historical appearance. While renderings in the project passport suggest a significantly altered exterior، the administration insists the original look will be maintained. Construction workers are currently dismantling the building's facade.

Additionally، the Natalya Sats Youth Theatre is being renovated، as is the building for the Nauryzbay district administration. The project passport indicated completion by February 25، 2026، but it appears the work is not yet finished.

The high-mountain ice rink "Medeu،" a vital facility for many Almaty residents، closed for renovation in the autumn of 2025. According to locals، the work is expected to continue until 2027. Reconstruction has also begun in the First President's Park، specifically in its southern section، which is temporarily closed. The project's completion is planned for December 2026.

Stalled Projects

The renovation of the M. Auezov Kazakh State Academic Drama Theatre commenced in 2024. However، early this year، reports emerged that the repair work had halted due to a lack of funding. The Ministry of Culture and Information clarified that the project was not suspended but was awaiting the start of a new fiscal year، with work expected to resume. As of February 26، however، no construction activity was observed.

Adjacent to the theatre، the renowned Wedding Palace awaits renovation and has been vacant for several years. Although its opening is planned for the fourth quarter of 2026، work has yet to commence.

In the autumn of 2025، former tenants were evicted from the "Red Dawn" textile building due to their failure to fulfill preservation obligations for over 20 years. New management announced plans for restoration، but work had not started by the end of February 2026.

Another well-known site، the Green Bazaar، is also awaiting renovation. Construction and installation work began on November 13، 2025، with a scheduled completion date of May 13، 2026. Promises have been made to preserve the iconic pyramid-shaped structures on the market's roof. The bazaar is currently operational، with trading stalls continuing in the adjacent areas.

Overall، Almaty faces a significant number of facilities closed for repair or renovation. The delayed commencement or completion of works، and the complete halt of some projects، raise numerous questions. Residents are closely monitoring the revitalization process، showing keen interest in the fate of these important urban landmarks.

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