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This article was first published on July 31st, 2024.
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How Okhtyrka is Being Restored, Part 2: Restoration of Historic Sites
People’s House
On 8 March, 2022, Russians launched aerial bombs on the centre of Okhtyrka. As a result, numerous historical monuments suffered damage, including the People’s House, an Empire-style building erected at the beginning of the 20th century and renamed the House of Culture in 1932. The building serves as the primary venue for events for residents of Okhtyrka and neighbouring settlements, housing departments of culture, tourism, youth and sports, as well as a local youth centre. On the eve of the full-scale invasion, the building underwent renovations to its lighting and sound systems, and a new sound recording studio was set up on its premises.
Although the facility is located in Okhtyrka, it formally belongs to the neighbouring Chernechchyna community, which has taken on the responsibility for its renovation. Ruslan Marchenko, one of the reconstruction coordinators, mentioned that significant progress had already been achieved by the beginning of summer 2022. This includes repairing the roof and preparing project estimates necessary to complete the restoration when peaceful times return.
“It’s not a matter of complete restoration because the time is not yet ripe for this, but rather about the preservation,“ he says.
The community covered part of the work at their own expense and also posted information about the People’s House on the DREAM platform [ a Ukrainian one-stop platform that links war-affected communities with potential donors and delivers transparent reports on every stage of Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction projects] to find partners for further restoration. In 2024, their contribution helped to launch a multifunctional shelter, hosting events for informal education (including chess club and workshops), cultural events, art therapy for internally displaced persons, and more activities. This was made possible because young people participated in the project “Human Dimension: Effective Governance through Data and Community Engagement”, funded by Canada. USAID provided the People’s House with a generator, allowing the facility administration to hold events during power outages, caused by the Russian airstrikes.
Before the all-out war, the People’s House functioned as a venue for rehearsals and events. Today, it continues to fulfil this role, while also serving as a distribution centre for humanitarian aid to displaced people and military personnel. Ruslan points out that this was not the first time the building’s purpose had changed during wartime; during World War I, it was used as a hospital.
“It is now experiencing its third war, and perhaps the true value of this house lies in its embodiment of unity. […] Community residents know that if any aid is being collected for the soldiers, everyone should bring it to the House of Culture. In one case, we managed to collect a substantial amount of food from the entire Chernechchyna community in just half a day. Then we delivered it in a KAMAZ truck to the frontline for the soldiers of the 93rd Brigade, who were defending Okhtyrka in the first months of the [full-scale] war.”
According to Inna Novikova, the director of the local youth centre who is also involved in the restoration process, the building’s symbolism is further enhanced by the fact that it has served as a workplace for prominent figures such as actors Natalia Uzhvii and Amvrosii Buchma (prominent Ukrainian 20th-century actors – ed.), and writer Ivan Bahrianyi, best known for his novel Tiger Trappers.
“And now, for the youth of Okhtyrka — I know this because I work mostly with young people — it is a kind of symbol, specifically historical, literary, and cultural. And if we talk about any cultural events and discussions, this work [by Ivan Bahrianyi] is always mentioned. It is very pleasing that the youth are interested in all this and are trying to popularise this history.”
The Chykalo Family Hotel
In the 19th century, Oktyrka was home to the merchant and philanthropist Hryhorii Chykalo. Several buildings he funded have survived to this day, although their condition varies. Among them, is the Chykalo family’s guest house, which was once one of the largest buildings in the city, located at the heart of the city. Its two floors were constructed from stone: the first floor now houses a restaurant and a teahouse, while the second floor features rooms with a view of Rynok Square. The building, which was damaged during World War II, was later restored and repurposed as a garrison officers’ house. Today, it stands in disrepair, alongside many other local cultural sites. Local youth spearheaded the efforts to address this issue; among them is Vladyslav Liubarets, a cultural activist and representative of the community youth centre.
“If you stroll through the city centre, it is an open-air museum, with nearly every building being a historic site. Most of them are 1723605244 used as shops, shopping centres, and other businesses. Their facades are somehow preserved, though not quite as they should be.”
Vladyslav believes that the restoration of the city should encompass its cultural and historic sites. If not preserved, these landmarks may vanish, significantly impacting the city’s identity and perception. He considers the settlement’s image and historical character among the key factors why people choose to stay there.
“Individually, these structures may seem insignificant and unnecessary, but in reality, they shape the unique architectural face of our merchant city. Therefore, if we gradually lose such buildings, we will simply erase our memory.”
Indeed, even today, not all locals associate the building with Okhtyrka’s merchant history.
“Okhtyrka’s residents have different memories of this building. Some remember going there for discos, others associate it with watching movies; some recall its beautiful spiral staircase, while others remember it as a ruin.”
Vladyslav hopes that one day, the Chykalo family hotel will be transformed into an art space and a recreational hub for youth. He also hopes that businesspeople who purchase such buildings with the intention of converting them into commercial properties will realise that their historical significance adds value that can be leveraged to their advantage.
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The 903rd day of a ten year invasion that has been going on for centuries.
One day closer to victory.
🇺🇦 HEROYAM SLAVA! 🇺🇦
by Ukrainer_UA
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