Silk Development continues the phased rehabilitation of the Melik-Azariants House at 37 Shota Rustaveli Avenue, working alongside professionals from various fields. The works are being carried out under the supervision of leading art historians, archaeologists, architects, and structural engineers. At this stage, reinforcement and restoration works are underway on the damaged sections of the building.
Each phase of the rehabilitation is guided by thorough research and full consideration of the building’s original appearance – the historical arches and other significant architectural elements will be preserved. At this same stage, demolition of later additions – primarily those made during the Soviet period – is underway in the so-called Fan Area, gradually returning the building to its authentic, historical appearance.
The Melik-Azariants House was built between 1912 and 1915 on challenging geological terrain, and at the time combined not only architectural but also engineering innovations. Its architectural composition is based on the principle of asymmetry, where the combination of various forms and materials creates a harmonious and dynamic visual character. The facade is adorned with unique bas-reliefs and decorative details, which lend the building exceptional artistic value. However, Soviet-era
alterations and interventions significantly damaged the physical condition of certain parts of the building, making its rehabilitation necessary. Silk Road Group began works by clearing the basement floors – removing a total of 1,200 cubic meters of waste – and reinforcing critically important structural nodes. The phased restoration of the areas under the company’s ownership serves precisely this purpose.
Silk Road Group began acquiring the building from private owners in 2007 and currently holds approximately 80% of the total floor area. Parts of the building remain in private ownership – both residential and commercial – while a portion belongs to the state.
Silk Development is the leading real estate development company within Silk Road Group. Since 2005, the company has delivered numerous large-scale projects and invested hundreds of millions of US dollars in the Georgian economy. The company’s operations are grounded in the principles of sustainability and the adoption of advanced modern technologies, which underpins its credibility both in the local market and among international partners.
Silk Development has extensive experience in the protection and rehabilitation of historical monuments. One notable example is the rehabilitation of the Tsinandali Estate, associated with the historical legacy of Alexander Chavchavadze, which the company has been restoring and developing since 2007. Also worth highlighting is the project carried out within the former Central Telegraph building – The Telegraph Hotel – which the company fully restored and brought back to life. The success of these projects stands as a clear example of how historical heritage can be preserved while simultaneously being transformed into modern, functional spaces. In working on each project, the Silk Development relies on thorough professional research and actively collaborates with qualified specialists throughout the development process, ensuring the highest quality of rehabilitation.
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