The Gray Horses

17 and 19, Aleutskaya Street

“Gray Horses”

The first eight-and-nine-story buildings of “Greater Vladivostok” were constructed at this site in 1937-40 (by architects A. I. Poretskov and N. A. Bigachev). These buildings brightly exemplify the style characteristic of 1930s Soviet architecture, the objective of which was to represent architecturally the grandeur of Soviet power. Aptly labeled “The Gray Horses” because of their impressive size, these two buildings with their flamboyant decoration in the form of balconies and statues (executed by an amateur sculptor, a soldier) may not have the great artistic value that some art critics suggest, but they evoke strong interest as a feat of engineering, and their apartments are very comfortable.

Recently, a small bronze bust of Yakov L. Semyonov, the first non-military resident of Vladivostok, was erected in the small square by 19, Aleutskaya Street. As Head of the city, he actively encouraged its early trade with neighboring countries in the Far East, promoted local industries, and even invented a machine to cut sea-weed, a highly nutritious food product. Semyonov admired the work of the native peoples of the region, such as the Ainu, and brought their wares to the city, e.g. cloth made of nettles. His great contribution to the city’s life is gratefully remembered today.

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