Over centuries, famous buildings have served as churches, government offices, residences, and more. When at risk of ruin by some disaster or when in need of restoration, humankind has often stepped in to preserve the rich history of these monuments. Using state support, community initiatives, and even crowdfunding efforts, cities around the world can now restore historically significant structures faster than ever before. From recreating their much-loved original designs to completely reimagining them, the possibilities truly are endless. We’ve compiled a list of 25 historical buildings that were saved from the brink of ruin through careful work and skilled labor.
#21 York Minster, England
Dating back to 627, this Anglican Cathedral, located in North Yorkshire in England, is the seat of the Archbishop of York. Tragically, in 1984, a fire caused extensive damage to the roof of the York Minster. It is believed that the fire could have resulted from a lightning strike, arson, or possibly even an electrical fault. In 1988, repairs and restorations were completed successfully.
6points
#22 The White House, Washington, USA
The White House has served as the workplace and residence of the US president since the 19th century. In 1801, Thomas Jefferson moved into the unfinished house and renovated it into one of America's finest houses. Since then, every President has made changes and additions to the building, decorating the interior rooms as they see fit. It has undergone three major reconstructions: 1814 after the British set it on fire, modernization in 1902, and a structural overhaul between 1948 and 1952.
5points
#23 Fairmont Hotel, USA
This luxury hotel in San Francisco, California, was named after U.S. Senator James Graham Fair and built in his honor. In 1906, an earthquake and resulting fire caused some serious damage to the hotel’s interior, delaying its grand opening to 1907. When it was repaired, the architect used reinforced concrete so that the building could withstand most natural disasters.
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5points
#24 Fort Manoel, Malta
In the 18th century, this star fort was built by the Order of Saint John on Manoel Island in Malta. By 1800, the fort was taken over by the British military and remained theirs until 1964, when it was severely damaged by aerial bombing. After falling into a state of disrepair, a development company finally began the costly restoration work on the fort in 2001.
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5points
#25 Cathedral Of Christ The Savior, Russia
Built in the 19th century, Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior was destroyed in 1931 as part of Stalin’s anti-religious campaigns. It was set to be replaced by an administrative center and monument to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. Construction of this ‘Palace of the Soviets’ began in 1937, but stopped during the German invasions of 1941. After the Soviet Union was dissolved, the cathedral we know today was built between 1995 and 2000. Its design is a replica of the original architect’s plans and ranks as the third-tallest Orthodox Christian church in the world.
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1point