Haunted House: Khabarovsk Woman with Children Struggles to Relocate from Derelict Building on Aerodromnaya (PHOTO)

Building No. 8 on Aerodromnaya Street was constructed in 1936 and is no longer suitable for living. Not only are there almost no intact windows left in the two-story building, but everything is crumbling and falling apart. There’s another issue: squatters have taken over the vacant apartments and established their own rules inside. As a result, the remaining owners—only two—are forced to live in unbearable conditions.

“There’s a haunted house on Aerodromnaya. My sister lives there with her two children. The building was declared unsafe in 2021, and before that, in 2010, it was listed for major repairs, which never happened. Now, there are only two owners left, while the rest of the space is occupied by squatters. Since the building was deemed unsafe, my sister has spent all her weekends dealing with authorities. Her husband passed away, so she has to support the children alone,” said a Khabarovsk resident.

Interestingly, the issue of the building’s unsafe condition was raised as early as 2010, when a commission concluded that demolition was premature and repairs were still possible. However, no timeline for the work was provided.

“We inform you that on October 6, 2010, the city interdepartmental commission reviewed the assessment of Residential Building No. 8 on Aerodromnaya for compliance with the requirements established by the Government of the Russian Federation. Based on the submitted reports, the commission decided that major repairs could be conducted to restore the building’s deteriorated condition to meet regulatory standards,” stated a document received by residents in early 2011.

Yet, to this day, neither repairs nor demolition have taken place. What’s even more curious is that there used to be several similar buildings nearby. The longest-standing derelict was at Aerodromnaya, 6, which authorities demolished in March 2021—online city panoramas show it was gone by summer. But for some reason, Building No. 8 remains standing, and residents still can’t get a clear answer on when they can expect relocation.

Yandex Panorama from 2010 showing Buildings No. 6 and 8 on Aerodromnaya

According to the regional atlas of problematic buildings, the relocation of Building No. 8 is scheduled for no later than 2035—just in time for the crumbling structure to approach its 100th anniversary. However, residents hope public attention will help speed up the process. Especially since the building lacks running water and sewage, relies on stove heating, and has only electricity as a utility.

The Khabarovsk region plans to address 84,000 square meters of unsafe housing by 2026, as stated by the governor.

Building No. 8 on Aerodromnaya Street

Building No. 8 on Aerodromnaya Street is a historical structure in Moscow, originally part of the Khodynka Airfield complex, which was a significant aviation hub in the early 20th century. The building likely dates back to the Soviet era and reflects the functionalist architecture of the time, serving administrative or logistical purposes for the airfield. Today, it stands as a reminder of Moscow’s aviation heritage amid the redevelopment of the Khodynka area.

Aerodromnaya Street

Aerodromnaya Street, located in various Russian cities, is typically named in reference to its proximity to an airport (aerodrome). For example, in Moscow, Aerodromnaya Street is near the former Khodynka Airfield, one of Russia’s earliest airports, which operated from 1910 to 2003. Today, such streets often serve as key transport routes connecting urban areas to aviation hubs, reflecting their historical ties to early 20th-century aviation development.

Residential Building No. 8 on Aerodromnaya

Residential Building No. 8 on Aerodromnaya Street is a notable example of Soviet-era architecture, constructed in the mid-20th century as part of a residential complex for military personnel and aviation workers. Located in Moscow, the building reflects the functionalist style of the time, with its austere facade and communal living spaces. Today, it stands as a historical reminder of post-war urban development in the USSR.

Aerodromnaya, 6

“Aerodromnaya, 6” is an address in Moscow, Russia, historically associated with aviation due to its proximity to Khodynka Field, the site of the first Moscow airfield and aviation exhibitions in the early 20th century. The area later became a residential and commercial district, with the address likely tied to Soviet-era infrastructure or housing developments. Today, it reflects Moscow’s urban evolution from its aviation roots to modern city life.

Yandex Panorama

Yandex Panorama is a digital mapping service by Yandex, Russia’s leading tech company, offering interactive 360-degree street-level views similar to Google Street View. Launched in 2012, it allows users to virtually explore cities, landmarks, and roads across Russia and some neighboring countries. The service is part of Yandex’s broader ecosystem, integrating navigation and local business information for practical and cultural discovery.

regional atlas of problematic buildings

The *Regional Atlas of Problematic Buildings* is a cultural and architectural initiative that documents structurally unsound, abandoned, or controversial buildings within a specific region. It serves as a critical resource for urban planners, historians, and activists, highlighting issues like neglect, poor design, or failed urban policies. The project often traces the history of these buildings, revealing their original purposes, decline, and impact on communities.

Khabarovsk region

The Khabarovsk Region, located in the Russian Far East, is known for its vast wilderness, rich natural resources, and strategic importance along the Amur River. Established in 1938, it has a history tied to indigenous peoples, Russian exploration, and Soviet industrialization. Key cultural sites include the Khabarovsk Regional Museum and the ancient petroglyphs at Sikachi-Alyan, reflecting both indigenous heritage and Russian influence.

Government of the Russian Federation

The Government of the Russian Federation is the highest executive authority in Russia, responsible for implementing laws and managing state affairs. It operates under the leadership of the Prime Minister, who is appointed by the President, and traces its modern structure to the post-Soviet 1993 Constitution, though its roots date back to earlier Russian governments. The government oversees federal ministries and agencies, shaping policies in areas like the economy, defense, and social welfare.