the Tenement House of V.F. Kraevsky in St. Petersburg

The Tenement House of V.F. Kraevsky is a distinguished and architecturally significant landmark on the Petrograd Side. Designed by the prolific and influential architect Vasily Schaub, it was completed in 1913-1914, making it a brilliant late example of the Art Nouveau movement, just before the shift towards Neoclassicism. The building is an exquisite specimen of Northern Modern, a Scandinavian-influenced branch of Art Nouveau. Its facade is a masterclass in textured composition, combining rough, "rock-faced" red granite on the lower levels with smooth, light-colored plaster above. The asymmetry is dynamic and purposeful, highlighted by a dramatic rounded corner bay window topped with a distinctive copper-clad turret, a signature Schaub element. While less flamboyant than some of its counterparts, the Kraevsky tenement house embodies a sense of dignified grandeur and craftsmanship. Its meticulous details, from the ornate metalwork of the gates and grilles to the sculptural reliefs, showcase the high-quality artistry of the era. More than just an apartment building, it stands as a testament to the architectural innovation of early 20th-century St. Petersburg. For enthusiasts of the Modern style, it is an essential and captivating sight, representing the peak of Schaub's residential work and a defining feature of the neighborhood's character.