Notorious 19th-century prison in Yekaterinburg heads to auction for 198M rubles
A historic prison building on Cheluskintsev Street in Yekaterinburg is now up for auction. The starting price is set at 198 million rubles. The site, once a notorious correctional colony, has stood empty since its closure between 2018 and 2020.
The former prison sits in an area earmarked for major redevelopment. Nearby, the Brusnika Group is demolishing old houses as part of a wider plan to transform the VIZ neighbourhood into a modern mixed-use district.
The building began its life as a 19th-century prison, known then as the IK-2 colony. Records show it was poorly secured—guarded by just three wardens—and struggled with discipline. In 1830, seven inmates broke free after smashing their shackles and taking two rifles from the guards.
Over time, the facility changed roles. After its use as a prison ended, it briefly housed a branch of the city hospital. The structure itself covers 728 square metres, with an additional 1,365 square metres of land attached.
Recently, activists pushed for the complex to be protected as a historical landmark. However, experts concluded it held no significant cultural or architectural value. With no preservation orders in place, the site now faces redevelopment.
The area around Cheluskintsev Street is part of Yekaterinburg's 2023 master plan. The Vtorchermet industrial zone, once dominated by factories, is being reimagined as a neighbourhood with housing, parks, and commercial spaces. Construction on the first phase is due to begin in 2025. Partial demolition has already taken place, clearing the way for new buildings.
The auction offers a rare chance to acquire a piece of Yekaterinburg's past. But the buyer will inherit a site tied to the city's redevelopment ambitions. If sold, the building could be demolished or repurposed to fit the new vision for the VIZ district.
The prison's history—from 19th-century escapes to its recent closure—now gives way to plans for a modern urban space. The outcome of the auction will determine whether any trace of its past remains.
