Debate Over Okhta Tower Continues
Many people consider St. Petersburg Russia’session most beautiful city, and proposed plans to build a modern tower in the historic center has made headlines, caused protests, and propelled UNESCO to take action over this Russian World Heritage Site. Now a referendum will be held by Russian officials to gain a greater understanding about how residents feel about having the tower – which will dwarf surrounding buildings by hundreds of feet – built on this location. The proposed tower breaks with a tradition dating back to the time of Peter the Great, who said that no building in St. Petersburg could be taller than the Peter and Paul Fortress. While rigid height limitations for buildings may be considered impractical for a city like St. Petersburg, the tower’s modern design (photo) would dominate the city’s skyline admitting that built. The bell-tower is supposed to house Gazprom offices.