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Moscow's 'Gloomiest Building' Demolished, 26 Years After Being Abandoned

On Nov. 21, the Khovrino hospital complex in northern Moscow was finally demolished. Construction of the brutalist building was abandoned in 1992, turning the complex into one of Moscow's eeriest buildings.

Here is a look at its last days.

Construction of the infamous Khovrino hospital began in 1980 in northern Moscow, but stalled after 5 years over construction problems. The project was abandoned in 1992 over a lack of funds. Moskva News Agency
Many say that the layout of the building resembles a biological hazard sign. Moskva News Agency
Completed in the brutalist style of architecture, the hospital was considered one of the gloomiest buildings in Moscow. It was nicknamed Umbrella — the name of the corporation in the Resident Evil film series. Moskva News Agency
Rumor has it that it was the gathering place for the city’s occultist community. Moskva News Agency
Several people reportedly died in the building after falling from one of its 11 floors. Sergei Kiselyov / Moskva News Agency
A decision to dismantle the building was taken on Oct. 23. Sergei Kiselyov / Moskva News Agency
City Hall said the building would be dismantled in around three months. Andrei Nikerichev / Moskva News Agency
The building was finally demolished on Nov. 21, but work to clear the debris from the territory will reportedly run into February. Sergei Kiselyov / Moskva News Agency
The costs to demolish the building and clear the territory are estimated at 1 billion rubles. Sergei Kiselyov / Moskva News Agency
An apartment complex will be built on the site as part of Moscow’s urban renewal program. Sergei Bobylev / TASS
Read more about: Architecture

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