During the missile attack on January 31, 2025, the landmark building of the Bristol Hotel 5* suffered significant destruction and damage due to a direct hit and explosions that occurred in the courtyard and the north-western part of the building—near the junction of the front western and courtyard northern wings. The material and technical structure of the building (ceilings, partition walls, etc.) and interiors were damaged, and the structures and roofing of the northern and western wings were partially destroyed.
The Ukrainian Academy of Architecture (UAA), Odessa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture (ODABA), Department of Building and Structure Architecture (ABS) conducted an inspection as part of the city commission regarding urgent measures, anti-accident work, and the continued operation of the hotel building.
Bristol Hotel 5* Odessa – a legend of Odessa, a local landmark, has its history beginning in 1898, built according to the design of architects Alexander Bernardazzi and Adolf Minkus.
The hotel, with an impeccable reputation and service, has hosted legendary writers, musicians, political figures, artists, and admirers of the elegance and grandeur of Odessa throughout its existence. After its renovation in 2010, it reopened its doors to guests. The building’s renovation was carried out by the working group: chief architect Merzhievska N.Yu., structural surveys by Ekostroy, ODABA. During the renovation, the foundation and walls were strengthened, the original stucco was restored, the interior of the hotel was altered—additional conference halls, a spa with a pool, and a gym were created, the room system was adjusted to modern standards, and the number of rooms was increased from 63 to 115.
The destruction that forever changed the face of the city. On January 31, during the missile attack on the historic center of the city, the Bristol Hotel 5* Odessa suffered significant damage. As a result of three direct hits and an explosion in the courtyard, the load-bearing structures, 100% of the engineering systems, the material and technical structure of the building, interiors, partially destroyed roof structures and coverings, internal doors in rooms were blown out, the decorative finishes of the hotel rooms, key elements of the central facade of the building, sculptural compositions, and wrought-iron and cast-iron elements of the terrace and common areas were damaged.
Some losses have become irreparable both for the hotel and for Odessa as a whole.
The structures and roofing of the courtyard northern and front western wings have been partially destroyed. At the junction of the western and northern wings, the rafter system is completely destroyed, and the roofing covering is missing. This part of the building is unprotected from atmospheric influences.
The roof of the southern and eastern wings has suffered partial damage to the rafter system and roofing material. Across the entire roof area, elements of the covering have numerous sections where they have shifted from their design position, as well as areas of destruction, deformation, and loss. Safe access to the roof is unavailable.
The structural elements—stairs, ceilings, roof, walls, lintels, partitions, etc.—in the northeastern part of the building (at the junction of the front and northern courtyard wings) and the basement ceilings in the courtyard area have suffered the most significant damage and destruction. Overall, the integrity and load-bearing capacity of the structures in the western front and northern courtyard wings have been compromised, with some damaged and unstable elements, especially in the northeastern part of the building and at the site of the explosion hazard (primarily, the northern end wall at the attic level), posing a risk of collapse.
Front Western Facade: No visible destruction of the material structure of the structural and decorative elements is observed, except for the damage to the figure of the atlantean sculpture on the right side of the main entrance, the cornice on the left side, and partial damage to the glazing of window and door openings. In general, no emergency elements threatening collapse have been observed on the front facade of the building.
Front Southern Facade: No visible destruction of the material structure of the structural and decorative elements is observed, except for partial damage to the glazing of some window and door openings. In general, no emergency elements threatening collapse have been observed on the front facade of the building.
Northern End Facade: At the level of the third, fourth floors, and roof, numerous losses of glazing in window openings have been recorded (from localized fragments to completely shattered glass from the frame, sometimes together with the metal-plastic frame or part of it). The outer end wall at the roof level has shifted from its design position and lost its load-bearing capacity: there are areas of plaster destruction exposing the masonry, bulging masonry, losses of masonry, deformations, and cracks of significant width.
Courtyard Facades: Throughout the area, numerous marks of impact from solid objects have been recorded, along with losses of glazing in window openings (from localized fragments to completely shattered glass from the frame, sometimes along with the metal-plastic frame or part of it), areas of plaster delamination, and damage to decorative finishes, losses of architectural decor, cavities, and chips on the decorative finishes.
The interiors of the building have suffered significant damage and destruction to decorative finishes and stucco elements. The internal fillings of door openings and door frames are damaged. Additionally, in most rooms on all floors, cracks and areas of plaster delamination on ceilings and walls, exposing the wooden lath, are observed. Stucco decor on the ceilings and arches of the rooms has partially collapsed. In some rooms, significant cracks have been recorded in the load-bearing walls and ceilings.
The window sills on the window openings, with shattered carpentry, metal-plastic, and glass fillings, have shifted from their design position and become deformed. The reveals have cracks, plaster delamination, and damage to the masonry in localized areas.
The central staircase and the decorative finishes of the grand staircase on all floors have suffered significant damage. Cracks of significant width are observed on the walls and ceiling of the central staircase, along with areas of plaster delamination. A large amount of destroyed structures and construction debris, which poses a risk of collapse, has accumulated on the stair flights of the grand staircase. Access to the rooms in this part of the building is unavailable.
The main recommendations were provided under the guidance of members of the UAA, ODABA: Rector of ODABA, Prof. Kovrov A.V., Director of AHI, Prof. Sukhanov V.G., Head of the Department of ABS, PhD in Architecture, Assoc. Prof. Merzhievska N.Yu., Assoc. Prof. Anisimov K.I.
Inspections have been conducted, dismantling and anti-accident work have been organized, and project and technical documentation for the restoration of the building has begun.
