Moscow has seen the demolition of several architectural monuments and historically significant buildings to make way for luxury housing developments. This trend, highlighted by “Arhnadzor’s” “Black Book,” includes structures of regional and federal importance, as well as those considered valuable urban planning objects. Recent examples include the Zamoskvoretsky Tram Park, the Ice Palace in Sokolniki, and the House of Culture of the Derbenev Chemical Plant.

The Zamoskvoretsky Tram Park, also known as the Apakov Depot, was largely demolished despite initial promises of preservation. Built in 1909 with innovative engineering by Vladimir Shukhov, the depot complex initially included administration buildings, a boiler room, and workshops. While it once held the status of a cultural heritage site, it was removed from the register in 2004 and ultimately rebuilt. The renovated depot reopened in April 2025.

Another significant loss was the Ice Palace in Sokolniki, built in 1973 for the Universiade. The arena hosted various sporting events, including the 1980 Olympics and the World Youth Games. Demolished in late 2021, it has been replaced by a children’s and youth hockey school complex with no architectural resemblance to the original structure.

The House of Culture of the Derbenev Chemical Plant, with its eclectic architectural style, also fell victim to demolition. The plant, dating back to 1878, had a rich history, including a stint as a popular rock music venue in the early 2000s. Despite its cultural significance, the building lacked protected status, paving the way for its demolition in 2020 to make room for residential towers.