Cezar Tower

Sezar Tower is a project of a high-rise multifunctional complex, which will become a new architectural dominant of the business center "Moscow-City". The skyscraper is planned to be about 228 meters high (≈60 floors) . Its architectural concept was developed under the supervision of the famous architect Sergey Tchoban (bureau "SPICH") , combining office spaces, apartments and shopping and entertainment areas in a single stylistic solution.

The tower's exterior is distinctly modern: the facades are completely glazed, with a wavy, relief structure of the surfaces.

The authors of the project called this style "emotional techno" because the dynamic geometric patterns on the facade change the perception of the building from different angles. This gives the building a unique appearance that corresponds to the latest trends in Moscow City architecture .

According to its purpose, Sezar Tower belongs to mixed-use complexes:

• it will feature premium residential apartments ,

• large areas of class A offices ,

• commercial and public infrastructure.

The total area of the complex will be approximately 179–180 thousand m² , of which about 70 thousand m² will be occupied by office space and 35 thousand m² by apartments. The remaining areas will be occupied by infrastructure facilities, services for residents and technical zones.

The project is positioned in the premium segment: the developer declares "luxurious residences, offices and world-class infrastructure." Thus, Sezar Tower will become one of the most modern and high-class skyscrapers in the capital, designed to strengthen the status of "Moscow City" as the main business center of Moscow.

History of the project

The idea of developing plot No. 20 in Moscow City arose more than ten years ago. Back in 2014, the owner of Solvers Estate, Oleg Malis, reported that a city development plan (GPZU) had been received for the construction of a complex of about 180 thousand m² on this plot. The initial project was planned as a skyscraper with innovative public spaces - for example, one of the high floors was to be given over to a "winter garden" with a year-round microclimate: they wanted to place a forest corner, a cafe, walking paths and even a picnic area there.

Investments were then estimated at approximately $400 million for construction alone. At the end of 2015 , a partnership was discussed with the large construction corporation Gefest : according to the Vedomosti newspaper, Gefest was ready to act as both an investor and a general contractor for the tower. The project (unofficially called Empire II) was expected to be completed by the end of 2018 , with an investment volume of approximately $300 million (~21 billion rubles at the 2015 exchange rate). It was assumed that approximately 60% of the skyscraper's area would be occupied by offices, 30% by apartments, and the remaining 10% would be given over to infrastructure and trade. However, these plans were not implemented on time: by 2018 , construction had not yet begun, and the project was effectively frozen.

As a result of the long pause, plot No. 20 became infamous for the presence of a black and gold cube - a massive structure that stood on the site for a decade as a symbol of unfinished construction. Only years later, in 2023, the owners put this asset up for sale, asking about 34 billion rubles . To attract buyers, they even published renderings of the previous project - for example, visualizations of a skyscraper with a façade decorated with “constellation” motifs (light elements).

The turning point came in October 2024 , when the developer Sezar Group, through its subsidiary Sezar Invest Group, acquired the rights to the project from Alisher Usmanov's USM Holding and Oleg Malis's Solvers Estate. The deal was completed on October 14, 2024 ; the new owner, City Development, came under the complete control of Sezar Group. According to the SPARK database, the asset was valued at approximately RUB 34 billion , although the terms of the deal were not officially disclosed. At the same time, Sezar Group agreed to purchase the neighboring Empire II project (plot No. 4), thus "rebooting" two long-term construction sites in Moscow City. The acquisition of plot No. 20 marked a "change of eras" for this territory: active construction of a new skyscraper has finally begun on the site of the notorious "ghost cube".

After the change of ownership, the project received the official name "Sezar Tower" (previously the name was kept secret). In November 2024, the first visualizations of the updated tower were presented, and in January 2025, information about the project was made public.

In late 2024 – early 2025, Sezar Group began preparatory construction work on the site. According to the developer’s plans, full completion of construction and commissioning of the complex is expected by 2030. Thus, after more than ten years of waiting, the project on the 20th plot has moved off dead center and entered the stage of active implementation.

Construction Features

The construction of Sezar Tower is taking place in the cramped conditions of the already built-up Moscow-City cluster, which in itself places high demands on the organization of work and engineering solutions. At the initial stage (late 2024 - 2025), the main attention is paid to the engineering preparation of the territory and the construction of the enclosing structures of the pit. By July 2025, it is planned to fully complete the construction of a deep pit wall and other preparatory work, in order to then begin the construction of the foundation slab and above-ground structures. Given the scale of the building (more than 50 above-ground floors) and the proximity of the metro, the builders are using modern foundation technologies - probably a monolithic reinforced concrete grillage with powerful pile supports to distribute the load on the ground (similar to other high-rises of the City).

The skyscraper's frame will most likely be made of steel and reinforced concrete monoliths to ensure a combination of strength and optimal construction speed. Particular attention is paid to façade technologies: a unique "transformer façade " with a geometric pattern capable of creating different visual effects depending on the viewing point is planned. Façade panels of complex curvilinear shape and ribbed texture will require high-precision manufacturing and installation. Panoramic energy-saving glass and metal elements are used, forming a wavy pattern on the surface of the building. Such architectural plasticity is not only aesthetically expressive, but also serves functional purposes - for example, it can reduce wind loads and solar overheating, casting off some of the direct rays.

The project incorporates advanced "green" and engineering technologies. The building will be equipped with solar panels to generate part of the electricity, rainwater collection and recovery systems for technical needs, as well as an intelligent energy management system. This approach complies with modern ESG standards and will improve the efficiency of the complex. In addition, Sezar Tower will integrate high-speed elevators (not inferior in characteristics to elevators in other "City" skyscrapers), multi-level security systems, automated climate control and other elements of a "smart building" .

Construction challenges are also related to the surrounding infrastructure. Plot No. 20 is located between existing and planned objects – the new Moscow City Hall building is planned nearby and the Expocentre exhibition center is located. Therefore, during construction, special emphasis is placed on integration with the urban environment: the project provides for the construction of convenient pedestrian links with neighboring areas and transport. In particular, it is planned to connect the complex with the new Moscow-City MCD-1 station and pedestrian crossings to the Bagration Bridge , which will improve transport accessibility to skyscrapers. The building will also include a large parking lot for 608 cars , which will significantly compensate for the shortage of parking in the business center. The decision on a spacious underground parking lot was dictated by the instructions of former Mayor Yuri Luzhkov, who at one time emphasized the need for parking in Moscow-City along with the construction of office towers.

According to the developer, the successful implementation of all engineering solutions in Sezar Tower will set a new quality standard for high-rise construction in Moscow. The project is positioned not just as another building, but as a technologically advanced facility: “Sezar Group is creating a standard for future developers, where aesthetics are combined with ESG standards,” industry experts note.

Composition of the complex

The Sezar Tower project envisages the construction of a single high-rise building with a multi-level structure of functional zones. The above-ground part of the building (56 above-ground floors ) will be divided into several functional blocks. The lower floors will be occupied by a public and commercial atrium: shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants are planned here, as well as representative zones (lobbies) for the office and residential parts of the complex. A special feature will be a food mall (high-class food court) as part of the retail spaces, designed to serve both office workers and guests of the complex.

The majority of the floors of Sezar Tower will be occupied by class A+ office space . The office block is designed for approximately 17,000 workstations , making the tower one of the most capacious business centers in Moscow City. The office area is approximately 100 thousand m² (leasable area), with an average floor plan of about 1.8–2 thousand m² . This will allow large companies to place headquarters and large departments in the building, as well as create coworking spaces. The office floors will feature modern conference rooms, lounge areas for employees, and a panoramic event hall at the top of the business sector. According to the initial concept, about 60% of the complex’s area is given over to offices (this share may be adjusted, but offices will remain the dominant function).

The residential areas are represented by premium-class apartments with a total area of ~35 thousand sq. m . The apartments will presumably be located on the upper floors of the skyscraper, providing residents with magnificent views of the capital. Several formats are expected: from executive studios for business travelers to spacious residences with a view. There may be several hundred apartments in total, some of which are united by the concept of "residences with service" - with the ability to service residents according to the standards of a five-star hotel. The residential block will have a separate lobby and elevator groups, private public areas for residents. Also, for apartment owners, sky terraces are provided at a level above 200 meters - open spaces with garden and park elements and lounge areas at altitude. This will create a unique for Moscow feeling of living "in the clouds".

The infrastructure and amenities of Sezar Tower complement the project to a full-fledged "city within a city" . In addition to trade and services on the lower floors, the complex will open a premium-class fitness center with an area of several thousand square meters. Its highlight will be a 50-meter-long swimming pool - one of the largest private pools in the Moscow City projects. The fitness zone will include a SPA complex, sauna, yoga and martial arts halls, thereby satisfying the needs of both office workers and residents living in the tower.

The catering facility at the top of the building deserves special mention. A panoramic restaurant with a 360-degree view of the city is planned for the roof of Sezar Tower. It is assumed that the entire top floor-penthouse will be given over to it, including a partially glazed roof so that visitors can enjoy the views of the sky. This format (a restaurant on the roof, with a glass dome) will be the first in Moscow City. The restaurant complex at the top will be available not only to the tower's residents, but also to anyone who wants to (upon prior reservation), which will make it a new city landmark.

The underground part of the complex (4 underground levels) is allocated for parking and technical rooms. The parking is designed for 608 cars , which will significantly improve the parking situation in the area. Also on the underground levels will be located the engineering systems of the building (electrical substation, water supply, ventilation chambers, etc.) and, probably, a direct connection with the underground passages of "Moscow-City". The total area of the underground part will be about 13,500 m² . The entrance to the parking will be organized from the 1st Krasnogvardeisky proezd, at which the complex is listed (property 9). Thus, Sezar Tower is a multifunctional complex "under one roof" , including all the necessary components - from housing and offices to shopping galleries, sports and entertainment.

Project participants

The developer and initiator of the project is Sezar Group , a Russian investment and construction group founded in 2003 and specializing in Moscow real estate. The owner and president of Sezar Group is Isai Zakharyaev (share ~70%) , partner is Ruslan Semenov (~30%) . Previously, the company has implemented a number of large projects: residential complexes Rasskazovo, Nikolin Park, Dynasty, Full House club house, Mariel shopping and entertainment complex, Fortuna business center, etc. In Moscow City, Sezar Group previously participated in the Moscow Towers project (a skyscraper complex in the new territory of Big City), so the acquisition of plot No. 20 was a logical step in the company's expansion into the capital's high-rise market. The developer carried out the deal to buy out the Sezar Tower project through its subsidiary, Cezar Invest Group LLC, gaining control over the company that owned the site (City Development).

The architectural concept of Sezar Tower was developed by the international architectural bureau Speech under the leadership of architect Sergey Tchoban. The bureau "SPEECH" is known for a number of iconic objects in Moscow and Europe, and Sergey Tchoban is a laureate of international awards, co-author of such projects as the skyscrapers "Federation" and "Oko" (interiors) in "Moscow-City", the Museum of Architecture "SPEECH" in Berlin, etc. For site No. 20, Tchoban's team had previously proposed architectural solutions (in the mid-2010s), and the new sketch largely became a rethinking of those ideas in the spirit of the times. The style of the facades, declared as "emotional techno", was supported by the main architectural commission of Moscow. The inspiration was the Russian avant-garde - the influence of the aesthetics of Suprematism (geometric shapes, bold proportions) in combination with the techniques of modern urbanism is mentioned. Thus, the architects strive to combine the artistic image with the functionality of the business center.

The general contractor for the construction at the start of work (2025) has not been officially named, but it will probably be a large Russian construction corporation capable of building a turnkey skyscraper. In the past, negotiations were held with the Gefest company (in 2015), but whether its role is relevant now has not been confirmed. The participation of international engineering consultants to calculate the structures and systems of the high-rise building cannot be ruled out. Investors and banks are also interested in the project: according to consulting firms, the total investment in the completion of Sezar Tower could amount to 70 to 150 billion rubles (depending on the final height and finishing of the complex). The developer can attract part of these funds through the sale of apartments and long-term leases of offices.

Judging by the scale, leading real estate companies will act as consultants and brokers for the project. Marketing and sales of housing will probably be entrusted to the internal department of Sezar Group or partner luxury real estate agencies. Analytical support for the purchase of plot No. 20 was provided by market experts who assessed the potential of the complex - they noted that the property could pay for itself due to the low office vacancy rate in Moscow City (less than 5% in 2024) and rising rental rates.

It is also worth mentioning the city authorities and regulators involved in the project. The Moscow Committee for Architecture approved the updated tower project, taking into account the requirements of the urban development plan of the site. The Chief Architect of Moscow, Sergey Kuznetsov, personally supervised the review of the concept and supported the chosen style of the facades, calling it consistent with the spirit of the new generation of "Moscow-City". In addition, the construction is supervised by Mosgosstroynadzor and the structures of the "Moscow-City" complex, ensuring that the work complies with safety standards and agreed deadlines.

Interesting facts and significance of the project

• One of the last skyscrapers of the first stage of "Moscow-City": Plot No. 20 remained one of the few undeveloped spots in the business center for a long time. In 2024, there are practically no free sites left - in addition to Sezar Tower, only a couple of skyscrapers of the second stage of "Big City" are under construction (for example, One Tower). Thus, the construction of Sezar Tower actually completes the formation of the silhouette of the "old" Moscow-City.
  

• Height and number of floors: The design height of the tower is 228 meters with 60 floors. This places Sezar Tower among the tallest buildings in Moscow, although it will not break any records (for comparison, the tallest building in the Russian Federation is the 373-meter Vostok Tower of the Federation Complex). However, due to its location closer to the edge of the complex, Sezar Tower will visually dominate from the Presnensky District and the Third Transport Ring. The architectural lighting of the tower will be visible from afar - the developers say that the night illumination will turn it into a "glass and metal masterpiece, visible even from space" (of course, this is a figurative expression emphasizing the brightness of the façade lighting).
  

• Unique facade design: The building's finishing uses non-standard facade solutions. Wave-shaped glass panels and golden metal ribs will give the tower an easily recognizable appearance. The facade pattern seems to "flow" along the height, creating a play of light and shadow. This project is one of the few in Moscow where such a dynamic facade geometry is implemented. Previously, something similar was used only in a few foreign skyscrapers. The "emotional techno" style promoted in the project reflects the desire to give business architecture expressiveness and emotionality, going beyond the purely utilitarian "glass boxes".
  

• Integration with transport: Sezar Tower will be directly connected to the new transport hub. In 2025, the Moscow-City MCD-1 city station (based on the Testovskaya station) will open nearby - it is assumed that it will be possible to get to this station from the tower via covered walkways. In addition, the Vystavochnaya metro station and the Bagration pedestrian bridge over the Moskva River are located nearby; the project provides convenient routes to them. Such integration will significantly improve the transport accessibility of the complex. Experts expect that the influx of office workers will not worsen the situation on the roads, since a significant part of them will be able to use public transport (MCD, metro). Also, a large private parking for 600+ cars will reduce the load on the surrounding parking spaces.
  

• Economic impact: The entry of such a large facility into the market will inevitably impact Moscow's commercial real estate. According to analysts, the introduction of 100,000 square meters of new offices could temporarily increase supply, but the office vacancy rate in Moscow City is currently historically low - less than 5%. Sezar Tower is capable of attracting a number of large companies for which there were previously no large blocks of space. It is expected that the appearance of the new tower will reduce vacancy on the market and may lead to an increase in rental rates by 15-20% due to the high quality and status of the project. One of the potential anchor tenants was Mail.ru Group (VKontakte), which was negotiating the lease of space in this skyscraper, although such deals have not yet been officially confirmed.
  

• Innovations and records: The project declares a number of innovative solutions, rare for Moscow. For example, solar panels on the facade are an innovation for Moscow-City skyscrapers, which usually rely on traditional energy supply. A panoramic restaurant with a glass dome on the roof is also a unique element, not seen before in the capital's high-rises. In addition, Sezar Tower will become one of the largest office centers in the city in terms of area, comparable to the giant iCITY complex (built in 2024 and known for its record-breaking fast elevators). Perhaps, Sezar Tower will also be equipped with high-speed elevators of the new generation, providing comfortable movement along 60 floors in a matter of seconds.
  

• Connection of generations of "Moscow-City": It is interesting that the architecture of Sezar Tower to a certain extent continues and rethinks the ideas of previous unrealized projects on this site. Thus, ten years ago the concept of "Empire II" with a spectacular black and gold trapezoid facade was discussed. The new project replaces the "black and gold cube" with a shining glass vertical, thus symbolizing the transition from the frozen ambitions of the past to the dynamic development of the present. Thanks to this, the business center "Moscow-City" gets a new landmark, which, according to the authors, will harmoniously fit into the existing ensemble and at the same time bring a fresh accent to it.
  
  

Overall, Sezar Tower is a shining example of how competent development can breathe life into a long-idle project. Combining cutting-edge architecture, multifunctionality and connection to the city infrastructure, this skyscraper is destined to become a new symbol of Moscow City and a significant part of the Moscow urban landscape. Investors, specialists and city residents are watching with interest the implementation of Sezar Tower, which promises to set new benchmarks for quality and innovation in capital construction.