Mykolaiv has been included in the list of 11 Ukrainian communities that were the first to develop unique projects based on the principles of culturally sensitive recovery as part of the “Culture in Recovery” pilot program. This involves a project to revitalize the historic tram substation at 8A Soborna Street and create, on its premises, a cultural and educational space for dialogue about the community’s past and future—the “City Museum”—as well as a tourist information center (TIC). The project was developed by the Mykolaiv Development Agency.
Our initiative to transform this architectural landmark of local significance has successfully passed verification and has been added to the DREAM state digital ecosystem for recovery management under the number DREAM-UA-270326-54E55C41.
The project is among the four finalists that have received support from international partners for further implementation.
Photo: Mykolaiv Development Agency/January 2026
Historical Context
In the early 20th century, as Mykolaiv transitioned to electric trams, the city needed new infrastructure. Therefore, between 1913 and 1916, an electrical substation was built near the Pryvoz Market. It not only powered the rolling stock but also served as a passenger pavilion, where a colonnaded canopy was used as a stop.
The structure was built of shell rock in the Art Nouveau and Industrial Neo-Gothic styles, with “brick-like” enameled tile trim. Tall windows provided the necessary lighting and ventilation for the machine rooms, and the facade was adorned with pilasters and decorative masonry.
The substation operated for its intended purpose until 1933. It stood vacant for a long time, and in the 1970s it was nearly demolished to widen the avenue, but architects managed to save the building. Later, it housed the “Sadko” children’s café (until 1989) and the “Assol” bar (until 1994). The building was then purchased for commercial use and renovated, carefully preserving the historic facade. For a long time, the offices of the company “ExpoMykolaiv” (2000s) and a commercial bank branch (since 2011) operated here. From 2019, the premises stood empty until December 2025, when it was repurchased and returned to the communal ownership of the Mykolaiv City Territorial Community.
It should be noted that the “Culture in Recovery” School is being implemented by the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine in partnership with the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine, with support from the “Partnership for a Strong Ukraine” (PFRU) program, in collaboration with the Kharkiv School of Architecture, Lanka.pro, and the NGO “Agency for Recovery and Development.”
