The House of Leningrad Trade (DLT) was built in the early 20th century using brick-monolithic technology. In 2005, the building underwent significant reconstruction. Today, it houses a branch of Moscow's TSUM, offering premium goods. Like in Soviet times, this shopping center remains one of the most popular among shopping enthusiasts.

History of the Building

The modern House of Leningrad Trade (DLT) was built on a site that previously belonged to the diplomat and cabinet minister of Anna Ioannovna, Artemy Volynsky. His estate was located here, along with a two-story stone house for cab drivers called "Volynkin Dvor" and furnished rooms known as "Volkovsky Nomer," owned by the official Alexander Volkov.

On Bolshaya Konyushennaya Street, there were also family rooms and public baths. According to some sources, Dostoevsky, Saltykov-Shchedrin, and Glinka stayed at the "Volkovsky Nomer." Later, both the rooms and baths changed owners, with the new owner being the wife of the official Pryaslov.

In 1900, the plot on Bolshaya Konyushennaya, where Volynsky's estate stood, was purchased by the "Guards Economic Society" for the construction of a large department store. This was an influential military organization that included high-ranking army officials and even members of the royal family. Given the society's status, the shopping complex was expected to meet the highest standards.

At the beginning of the 20th century, an international competition was announced for the architectural design among 25 renowned architects. The jury included not only military specialists but also Austrian architecture professor Otto Wagner. The competition was organized by the St. Petersburg Society of Architects and the Society of Civil Engineers.

Selection of the Project

In 1907, the project of academic architect Ernst Wirrikh was chosen, the author of such projects as the City Alafuzov Hospital and the Polytechnic Institute. His project was recognized as the best, although it only took fourth place in the competition.

To create the sketch of the universal store on Bolshaya Konyushennaya, Wirrikh studied the experience of European department stores, especially in Berlin. The similarity of the future DLT facade with German passages was the reason Wirrikh did not take first place.

To refine the project, Wirrikh involved artists Joseph Padlevsky, Nikolai Vasiliev, civil engineer Krichinsky, and other specialists. The construction was carried out by the German company "Weiss&Freitag," which also built the "Astoria" hotel. The first stone of the future DLT was laid in 1908, and the initial phase was completed in 1909. The main structures of the building were erected in less than six months. In 1912-13, the second phase, the small hall of the future DLT, was completed.

This required the demolition of a neighboring building. The department store was opened in the presence of the royal family, and the new shopping center immediately became popular, especially among the military. The house was called "Guardsman" for its discounts and numerous goods for guardsmen. In fact, it was a military store, although civilian goods such as pots and hats were also sold. After the success of the first store, the Guards Society opened similar department stores in other locations, including Gatchina and Peterhof.

What the Department Store Was Intended to Be

At the stage of creating the architectural project, the customer determined what should be inside the building. The first floor was planned to have a grocery store and a relaxation area. On the second, various shops, pharmacies, and manufacturing facilities.

The third floor was intended for the sale or tailoring of uniforms. The basement was planned for warehouses, a sorting workshop, and other auxiliary rooms. Above, there were administrative offices, a photo studio, and a small dormitory for single employees.

In the department store, members of the Guards Society could purchase uniforms, military equipment, and accessories, as well as food and household items.

Architectural Features of DLT

Architect Ernst Wirrikh developed a complex project for the Guards Association store for its time. The foundation was a solid reinforced concrete slab 3.4 meters deep. The frame of the department store, including the roof, was entirely cast from reinforced concrete.

The hall of the future House of Leningrad Trade turned out to be enormous, 33 meters long and 13.5 meters wide, with beautiful oak parquet flooring. Three tiers of trading galleries allowed for many shops and stalls.

There are no floor ceilings in the center of the building. The ceiling of the trading house is a huge glass dome 22 meters high. Monier glass with a patterned metal mesh was used in the construction. Flat suspended ceilings of the Rabitz system were installed in the galleries.

The lighting of the building was carefully thought out. In addition to artificial light, the hall was illuminated by sunlight penetrating through the glass ceiling, panoramic windows, and showcases. Decorative elements included pilaster porticos, reliefs, and majolica inserts, which can be considered more classical than modern.

The department store features a beautiful corner tower with a spire topped with an eight-pointed star (later replaced by a five-pointed star in the USSR). The walls were clad in expensive Radom sandstone. Above the grand staircase, one can see columns of the Ionic order with a bridge leading to the third tier.

In the DLT building, there are not three, but five floors (the administration is located at the very top). After reconstruction, much changed. For example, ceilings were added to increase the area, which reduced natural lighting.

Soviet History of DLT

Until 1911, the department store on Bolshaya Konyushennaya had the highest turnover among all trading enterprises in Russia. The buildings were rented out, and there were workshops for tailoring officer's items, warehouses, and creative studios. But after 1917, the previous prosperity came to an end. First, the store was looted, and then it was nationalized.

In the late 1920s, the First State Universal Store was opened here, followed by the House of Leningrad Cooperation, where various goods, including food, were sold. Since 1935, it was called the "House of Leningrad Trade." In the 1930s, the DLT also housed Torgsin.

Later, the House of Leningrad Trade on Konyushennaya became part of the Glavunivermag system. After the Great Patriotic War, the damaged building was restored. During the Soviet era, scarce goods were sold here, particularly wedding dresses and suits. Although it was believed that DLT specialized in goods for women and children, such as school supplies and toys.

DLT on Bolshaya Konyushennaya became one of the largest trading enterprises alongside the Leningrad Gostiny Dvor and Passage. The department store was considered exemplary, and despite high prices, huge queues often formed here.

Since 2005, the building of the Leningrad department store has been under restoration: several new floors were added, and the retail space expanded to 18,000 sq.m. DLT reopened in 2012. While the exterior of the building has hardly changed, significant re-planning has taken place inside.

Now it is a branch of Moscow's TSUM, where premium goods can be purchased, and cafes, salons, and restaurants can be visited. The department store features over 700 different international brands.