Batumi, Parnavaz Mepe Street No. 51
Brief description of the monument:
Construction of this residential building began in 1897 at the end of the 19th century and was completed in the first quarter of the 20th century. The two-story structure, designed in a blend of classical and Baroque styles, features a complex layout, accented by a polygonal risalit and a tower-like mansard. The original architectural intent of its patron, Ekaterine Evlaseva, was only partially realized. In the early 20th century, after the building changed ownership, it was occupied by Dr. Menagharishvili and his family, who established a dental clinic there.
The building, notable for its unique artistic expression and individual floor plan, consists of a recessed residential block and a prominent projecting risalit. Facing the street, the structure is separated from it by a small garden enclosed by an ornamental fence with stone balusters and openwork metal lattice. The main entrance, located on the projecting right wing facing the street, features a rectangular doorway framed by carved wooden double doors. Above this entrance is a window flanked by flat pilasters and opening onto a suspended metal balcony with ornamental railings.
The recessed façade maintains similar stylistic features, with a central polygonal risalit equipped with rectangular windows. On the left side of the ground floor is a rectangular courtyard entry, and on the right, an arched window. The upper floor features symmetrically placed rectangular windows framed with decorative moldings and small pediments. The two floors are separated by a profiled cornice. Above, the façade is crowned with a similarly detailed double cornice resting on decorative brackets.
Dominating the composition, the mansard-level tower projects upward, its façade consisting of rectangular windows framed by paired pilasters and topped by stepped cornices and a recessed Baroque-style pediment. A short spire completes the tower. The façade displays a contrasting color scheme, with yellow walls accentuated by white architectural details.
The interior retains notable original features, including an al fresco decorated ceiling, geometrically patterned colorful floor tiles in the entrance hall, and a preserved metal staircase with ornamental ironwork. The courtyard façades have undergone partial alteration, notably with enclosed glazed galleries and changes to the original window design.
Overall, the building is an outstanding example of Classical-Baroque residential architecture in Batumi, distinguished by its decorative elements, thoughtful composition, and high-quality craftsmanship.
