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Restoration of Historic St. Petersburg Homes Sparks Activism

3/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In St. Petersburg, grand residential buildings once neglected after the 1917 revolution are being restored by new owners and volunteers.
Social media connects neighbors and drives grassroots activism around local history and preservation.
The movement has gained momentum since the invasion of Ukraine, despite rising danger.
Ksenia Sidorina, founder of a local preservation volunteer group, says their efforts are meaningful resistance.

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Story summary

In St. Petersburg, grand residential buildings once neglected after the 1917 revolution are being restored by new owners and volunteers.
Social media connects neighbors and drives grassroots activism around local history and preservation.
The movement has gained momentum since the invasion of Ukraine, despite rising danger.
Ksenia Sidorina, founder of a local preservation volunteer group, says their efforts are meaningful resistance.