The IQ-quarter (Russian: IQ-квартал) is a mixed-use complex composed of two skyscrapers and a high-rise located on plot 11 in the Moscow International Business Center (MIBC) in Moscow, Russia with a total area of 201,430 m2 (2,168,174 sq ft). The skyscrapers are named Towers 1 and 2, with the latter being the tallest, and the high-rise just known as the IQ-quarter hotel or Tower 3. Construction of the complex began in 2008 and finished in 2016.[1][2][3][4]
The 42-story Tower 2 is the tallest out of the three buildings in the complex, rising up to a height of 177.5 metres (582 ft). It is followed by the 33-story Tower 1, rising up to a height of 141 metres (463 ft). Both buildings serve as offices. The lowest building is the IQ-quarter hotel, or just Tower 3, standing at a height of 83.6 metres (274 ft) and serving as both a hotel and a residential area.[4]
History
The MIBC needed a transport terminal with commercial areas with a total area of 228,000 m2 (2,454,172 sq ft). Dutch company Citer Invest BV decided to invest in plot 11 of the MIBC back in 2003. Using 1,137 hectares, the company planned to build two office towers (122,450 m2 (1,318,041 sq ft)) and a 4 star hotel with 390 rooms. The transport terminal was to be connected to Sheremetyevo International Airport, Vnukovo International Airport, the Moscow Metro, and ground transportation through the Third Ring Road. Construction of the complex started in 2008 and was planned to be completed in 2011.[2][3][5]
In August 2008, the developer agreed with VTB Bank on project lending, but because of the Great Recession, the bank was unable to provide financing. As a result, construction was postponed in the first quarter of 2009. By this time, it was possible to erect only a wall in the ground and a pile foundation. Almost a year later, the company managed to raise $355 million with the help of Belgian financial institutions under the contracts issued by VTB. In November 2009, the developer expected that the complex would open in 2013.[5]
In April 2011, the Russian construction company Hals-Development bought 50% plus one share of the project investor.[6]
The complex finished construction in 2016. In November, it became known that Russian banking company Rosselkhozbank is negotiating the purchase of a 34-story tower with a leasable area of 44,300 m2 (476,841 sq ft). The transaction value was estimated to be from 11.5 to 12 billion rubles.[1][2][3][6]
On 30 July 2023, the building was damaged by a drone attack which the Russian Defense Ministry claims was carried out by Ukraine.[10] Operations at Vnukovo Airport were briefly suspended and flights diverted.[11] It was struck again the next day, this time on the 21st floor, and lost 150 square metres (1,600 sq ft) of glazing in a large explosion and the resultant fire. Flights were again diverted or suspended.[12]
On 1 August 2023, the skyscraper was damaged for a second time by a drone attack which the Russian Defense Military claims was caused by them jamming the drone, causing it to crash into the building.[13][14]
