Revitalizing a Riverfront

The master plan restores the Kazanka River to its original width by creating new-fill land forms along the right bank that provide greater connectivity across the river and more area for development.

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Individual peninsulas on the right bank set the stage for the fill strategy and development phasing. Curvilinear, “ribbon-like” building blocks are oriented to maximize views to the river and the left bank.

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Opposite the world-renowned Kremlin, the development will serve as a vital link between new and old, creating a lively hub of urban activity.

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The residential district features outdoor recreational areas, retail, schools and other amenities to promote a sense of community.

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A significant part of the master plan was to extend green space along the riverfront and preserve an adjacent wetland.

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NBBJ developed a master plan with restored waterways and increased connections to bring the Kazanka River back to life.

Kazan, an ancient cultural and commercial center located along the Volga River, experienced rapid growth due to its abundance of natural resources. The Kazanka River, a tributary of the Volga, separates the city’s historic left bank and commercial right bank. Reservoirs from a series of dams built along the Volga in the 1950s had backed up into the Kazanka, resulting in a two-kilometer-wide lake that further divided the city.

A new waterfront master plan, developed by NBBJ, proposed to restore the Kazanka River to its original width by creating new-fill land forms along the right bank that would provide greater connectivity across the river and new opportunities for development to support the city’s growth. Along with improving water quality, the plan makes the river the focal point of a mixed-use area that includes public green space, residential buildings, offices, retail, entertainment and cultural amenities that will bring new life into the city center.