DS Stroy, a subsidiary of developer Donstroy, has begun developing a new urban development on the site of the former Botanical Garden of I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University. The project is located at 1 Erismana Street, near the Moscow-City International Business Center.
History of the Site
Founded in 1947, the Botanical Garden of I.M. Sechenov University has served as a research, educational, and outreach facility for decades. The garden covers an area of over five hectares. In 2024, as part of the modernization of its educational and conservation infrastructure, the garden moved to a new location in Krylatskoye District, part of the Moskva River Natural History Park.
The new site houses a modern teaching and laboratory building, as well as a greenhouse for studying tropical and subtropical ecosystems. The new botanical garden has become a vibrant venue, offering educational programs, scientific experiments, and various activities for pupils, students, and researchers.
Territorial development enters a new stage
Following the relocation of the gardens, this vacant plot of land in the heart of the capital has gained strategic investment appeal. DS Stroy is reportedly currently conducting preliminary design work for a multifunctional public and urban development complex. Although official development specifications have not yet been released, the site's size of over five hectares and proximity to Russia's largest business cluster suggest significant potential for large-scale development, potentially even high-rise buildings. The project is expected to include residential, office, commercial, and public infrastructure. Architectural Environment and Context It is worth noting that the idea of developing the area was first proposed in the early 2010s. Commissioned by entrepreneur Sergei Polonsky, the Asadov Architectural Bureau designed a skyscraper, symbolically named "Ivan the Great," intended to be Moscow's tallest building. However, the project ultimately remained on paper.
Previous investment plans also included the possibility of developing the surrounding area—a former substation and a sewage pumping station. A preliminary agreement for these areas had been signed, but ultimately fell through.
Prospects
Now, with the participation of one of the capital's largest developers, this area is receiving a new lease of life. If successfully implemented, the project would not only seamlessly integrate into the Moscow skyline but also significantly enhance the urban development of the Presnensky district. It would also create new pedestrian and transit-friendly amenities and integrate them with existing infrastructure, such as the Moscow River embankment and surrounding streets.
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Any questions or comments?
This is terrible! They will build up the last green piece! How much more can they build here?! We will soon go underground!!! It would be better to build a school or a children's clinic!
Site administrators response:
Thank you for your opinion. We understand the concerns about preserving green areas in the Moscow City area - this is an important and sensitive topic for many residents. At the same time, it is worth noting that there was no full-fledged botanical garden in this area before - since 2015 it has been in an unsatisfactory condition and is not used for its intended purpose. The Donstroy company is planning not just construction, but a comprehensive development of the site with the preservation of part of the green spaces, the creation of public spaces and infrastructure. According to preliminary plans, the project provides space for both a landscaped park area and social facilities, including educational and medical institutions - as you mentioned. The city is developing, and the developer's task is to find a balance between residential development, social infrastructure and green environment. We are confident that with a competent approach, this site can become a new high-quality space for life, recreation and work, without losing its ecological value.