In the heart of Almaty’s historic center, the outline of a massive new building has come into view. Rather than adding a new architectural landmark, however, the project is poised to significantly reshape daily life in the surrounding area.
The new Hilton Almaty rises on the site of the former Union of Architects of Kazakhstan building, at the corner of Kaldayakov and Kazybek Bi streets. About 200 meters away is Panfilov Park, while the long-neglected Cinema House stands across the street.
Architecture draws criticism
The hotel and business center has been criticized as architecturally unremarkable. Clad in gray-green glass with dark balcony materials, the structure presents a heavy, muted appearance that contrasts sharply with its surroundings at a relatively small intersection.
It is unlikely to become a landmark, critics say — a fate shared by many buildings constructed in Almaty in recent decades. Notable exceptions often cited include projects linked to Nurlan Smagulov, such as the Almaty Museum of Arts; the Almaty Theatre; and Kairat Boranbayev’s Tselinny Center for Contemporary Culture.
Against the backdrop of the city center, the new building reads as a dark, monolithic presence — functional, but lacking a distinct architectural identity.
Scale and functionality
Officially, the building rises 14 stories, down from the originally planned 16. However, high ceilings give it the visual impact of a taller structure.
The first two floors are expected to house large halls, restaurants and conference spaces. Upper levels will include office space, while the remaining floors are designated for hotel rooms.
Traffic and infrastructure concerns
The project has raised concerns about infrastructure. There is no visible street-level parking nearby, and it remains unclear whether underground facilities will be sufficient to handle the anticipated flow of guests and vehicles.
Given the scale of the complex and the relatively small intersection, increased congestion along Kaldayakov and Kazybek Bi streets appears likely.
Impact on surrounding historic buildings
The development may also affect nearby historic structures. Diagonally across the street stands a building that once housed the pharmacy of Lev Fiedler, a prominent physician in Verny (the former name of Almaty), known for pioneering work in ophthalmology and pediatrics and for providing free eye care to residents.
The building, later used as the Pakistani Embassy, is now leased to private businesses and managed by an entity under Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The new high-rise is expected to significantly reduce natural light reaching the site.
Ownership and project evolution
The project is being developed by Trade Market 1 LLC. According to corporate records, the current owner is Hakan Kassanov, son of founder Usein Kassanov.
In 2019, the family ranked No. 38 on Forbes Kazakhstan’s list of the country’s richest individuals, with an estimated net worth of $140 million. They also own one of the city’s best-known properties, the Hotel Kazakhstan.
Trade Market 1 acquired the site in 2017. Initial plans called for a Design Academy, and as late as 2020 the project was still described as a cultural, social and administrative facility under that concept.
Construction was suspended in 2023, after which the project’s purpose was fully revised into a hotel and business complex.
