Reconstruction of Yerevan's cascade complex to receive 20.4 billion dram investment - Mayor's Office
YEREVAN, February 24. /ARKA/. About 20.4 billion drams are planned to be invested in the reconstruction of the Cascade complex in Yerevan, said Sona Tevanyan, adviser to the mayor of the capital.
She reported that the results of the announced competition were revealed on February 17, and the winner is a consortium consisting of four companies, represented by GTB Development LLC.
Tevanyan noted that, as a result of the construction, the appearance of the Cascade complex will be completed – the new section will connect the Cafesjian Museum with the Victory Monument. "The architectural concept of Alexander Tamanyan, which connects the northern and central parts of the city, will be realized," she said during a working meeting on Monday.
According to her, the work will be carried out based on the design of French architect Jean-Michel Wilmot, and after the completion of all work, the relevant urban planning documents will be submitted in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Architectural project "Cultural Hub Cascade"
As the mayor's adviser stated, the project includes around 33,000 square meters of development, where a concert hall with 1,000 seats and a panoramic view of the city will be located. The concept of the Museum of Modern Art includes museum spaces, areas for workshops, leisure and recreation zones, and places for temporary exhibitions and conferences.
"The center will also feature an underground parking lot and several green zones. Landscaping work will be carried out both in the developed areas and on the adjacent territory, totaling about 40,000 square meters," she said, explaining that the green areas will extend all the way to the Matenadaran. Around 660,000 drams will be allocated for the reconstruction of each square meter of the Cascade territory.
She also mentioned that the construction work of the Cascade complex is expected to be completed within 5 years, and all completed property will be transferred to the community as ownership.
"In parallel with the construction of the complex, the investor will be given the opportunity to build the 'Art Quarter' multifunctional complex on the right side of the Cascade. The project and architectural designs will also be carried out by Jean-Michel Wilmot," Tevanyan said.
The "New Cascade" project consists of a unique structure of tectonic plates rising at the top of the complex. Several horizontal terraces seem to play with the horizontal lines at the top of the Cascade, spanning nearby blocks and adding new volume to the city panorama.
The project also includes large-scale forest restoration in the vicinity of the complex, contributing to environmental sustainability. The New Cascade will feature public pathways, terraces, cafes, and restaurants, creating a lively atmosphere. One of the highlights of the project is the new Center for Contemporary Art, which will have expansive terraces offering views of the city.
About the Cascade
The construction of the upper part of the Cascade architectural complex – one of Yerevan's most beloved landmarks – has remained unfinished since the Soviet era.
In early March 2024, it was announced that the approximately 11.5-hectare area came under the control of the city's community. In April, the Cafesjian Museum Foundation donated another plot of land in this area (0.5105 hectares) to Yerevan, with the condition of completing the Cascade staircase.
