Residential Building of Shukret Zekjirije

The "London Pub" building was designed between 1933 and 1934 by architect Ivan Artemushkin. It is located in the very center of the city, within one of the perimeter blocks that form Maksim Gorki Street, right at the beginning of the city's central area. The building occupies one half of the block's corner, while a fairly symmetrical structure was later constructed on the opposite side. The break in the corner and the geometric design that does not follow the exact line of the block's angle allow for the formation of a plaza, enhancing the overall block form. This design enables communication not only with the street front but also with the open views toward the city center (now the square). The building consists of a commercial ground floor and four residential floors, featuring an entrance to one of the shops directly from the corner, while the entrance to the other shop, as well as the main entrance to the residential units, is accessible from Prestolonaslednik Petar Street (now Maksim Gorki). The structure is designed with a centrally placed, naturally lit staircase core, which internally divides the building into two sections. On the ground floor, it separates two shops with a service area and access from the inner courtyard, while on each upper floor, it provides access to two apartments. The living rooms and bedrooms of these apartments are oriented towards the outer corner, while the service areas are positioned in the rear, inner zone. The building is characterized by a clear geometric composition led by academicism. The corner is accentuated with an angular balcony featuring concrete railings and columns, along with an elevated roof parapet in the same zone. The dominant influence of modern architectural concepts is also evident in the design of the windows, which are arranged in linear compositions—horizontal strips that are a recognizable element of modern architecture.