Bastrykin Takes Control of Tula's Decaying Strakhov House

The situation around the decaying Strakhov House in the center of Tula has reached the federal level. Chairman of Russia«s Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin has ordered a report on the results of an inspection into the improper maintenance of the cultural heritage site of regional significance.

This concerns the residential building with an outbuilding belonging to N. P. Strakhov at the intersection of Svoboda and Pushkinskaya streets. The building from the late 19th — early 20th century has been under state protection since 1991, but in practice has been decaying for many years.

What is happening now

As reported by the Investigative Committee, the house«s structures are deteriorating, and there have been repeated fires in the premises. Back in 2014, the building was declared emergency, residents were relocated, but conservation and restoration work has still not been carried out, despite a court decision that has come into force.

The Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee for the Tula Region has organized a procedural inspection. The head of the regional directorate, Vladimir Usov, must report to Moscow on the interim results and measures taken. The progress of the inspection is being monitored by the department«s central apparatus.

Why the house has not been restored

Since 2017, the owner of the monument has been the Moscow-based company Rental F LLC. During this time, the inspection for the protection of cultural heritage sites has repeatedly issued warnings to the owner. After a major fire in July 2018, the company was held administratively liable and fined 200,000 rubles (approximately $2,200 at current rates).

The restoration project for the house was prepared by a licensed organization, passed historical and cultural expertise and public discussion. The documentation was approved back in July 2024, but the work itself never began, which was explained at the time by a lack of funding.

Public outcry

The issue of the Strakhov House«s fate has been raised before. Back in 2019, Tula local historians warned that with the arrival of the new owner, the building began to rapidly deteriorate. After the fire, the house lost its roof, floors, and part of its structures, preserving only the external walls.

Local historians and public activists pointed out that the architectural monument, located in the city«s historical center, is losing its authentic appearance before their eyes.

Now the monument«s fate will be considered under the control of the Investigative Committee. How this story ends and whether real work to save the house will begin will be shown by the new investigation.