Project Release Date 01.08.2020
“Mapa Renovatsii found archival drawings by architect Nikolayev, researched the history of the building, and initiated the process of its listing on the landmarks register. Until now, we continue to defend the building in court.
In 2020, while searching for and studying abandoned buildings in the Shevchenkivskyi district of Kyiv, Mapa Renovatsii investigated archival data, historical events, and architectural features of the building at 71 Honchara Street.
Osyp Rodin's House from Honchara Street side
We collected photographs of the building over the years, conducted field research with scientists and architects, analyzed the archival project, and described the historical layers. We also identified the building's architect. It turned out to be the legendary Kyiv architect Volodymyr Nikolaiev. Thanks to the collected historical data, in September 2020, at the request of the NGO Map of Renovation, the building was registered as “Newly discovered cultural heritage site.”
Submission of landmark documentation
Since the building was to be used for the construction of a multi-story residential complex, Franklin House, the developer Saga Development went to court to cancel the landmark status. They tried to dismantle the building, starting with the roof. However, thanks to the pressure of the community and regulatory authorities, the roof was put back in place, and the fight in the courts continued.
For several years now, the community, the city, the state, and law enforcement agencies have been defending the Rodin House's landmark status. Mapa Renovation has been playing an active role in this process—for four years, we have been defending the status as a third party in two court cases together with lawyers. We have recently filed a new lawsuit regarding the illegal transfer of a land plot for construction by the Kyiv City Council.
As before, we actively communicate the events around the building. In addition, we have organized many actions, exhibitions, and performances outside the court. We managed to rap Rodin's house and give lectures on the value of background buildings in the city context. Thanks to concerned citizens, we raised donations to cover legal costs.
Campaign to protect the building with rap performance (2021)
Courts as a tool for protecting the right to the city. More about our journey.
The first lawsuit was about a developer challenging the status of a “newly discovered cultural heritage site.” We were losing and winning in courts of various instances, twice reaching the Supreme Court, which ultimately agreed with our position and confirmed the legality of the landmark status (court case #640/28045/20).
Meeting at the courthouse (2022)
In parallel with the courts, the documentation was finalized and submitted to the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy in cooperation with the Ukrainian State Institute of Cultural Heritage. Thus, in 2021, Osyp Rodin's house became a landmark of local importance.
Since 2022, Saga Development has been trying to challenge this in court. Our partners, Axon Partners lawyers, with the support of the NGO “Platform of Public Control” and the European Union, have begun legal work to protect the building’s landmark status (court case #40/3712/22).
In the middle of the trial, the developer dropped the lawsuit, so now the Rodin House is a valid architectural and historical landmark of local significance, and the only legal and possible work on it is restoration.
At the court trial
The story of the building's protection and preservation does not end there. It seems that the developer is not abandoning his plans. After all, in February 2024, the Kyiv City Council transferred the land plot at 71 Honchara Street for construction (which directly violates current monument protection and land laws). So we filed a lawsuit against the Kyiv City Council. This lawsuit is also being supported by Axon Partners' lawyers (with the support of the NGO “Platform of Public Control” and the European Union).
Archival materials
As of 2024, the building is still intact, although it is empty. The struggle continues. We aim to protect valuable Kyiv architecture from dismantling and facadism and ensure a thorough, integral restoration. We are grateful to all the citizens, neighbors, architects, scholars, historians, organizations, and institutions that support the preservation of the Rodin’s House ❤️
Meeting at the courthouse