This unique 16-story monolithic concrete building was constructed in 1985 according to an experimental design by architect Ofeliya Petrovna Aydinova. The project itself had been created back in 1974, but approvals took many years — especially since Tashkent builders at the time had no prior experience constructing monolithic concrete high-rises.

The uniqueness of “Zhemchug” lies in its internal terraces that unite three floors at a time and connect the building’s two wings. These terraces were conceived as a prototype of a mahalla — a communal space for socializing and social functions, meant to compensate for people being detached from their usual “ground-level” life. The terraces truly became lived-in: residents added furniture, ayvans (verandas), children’s playgrounds, and decorative plants.

The rounded shape of the wings provides excellent ventilation for the terraces — they are constantly swept by wind, which is particularly important in the hot climate.

At one time, the roof featured a solarium and a swimming pool, while the basement housed a laundry; these facilities are now closed. The building has no gas supply — only electric stoves are installed. In total, there are 120 two- and four-room apartments, served by two passenger elevators and one freight elevator.

Unfortunately, “Zhemchug” — a monument of Soviet modernism — remained one of a kind: the project never went into serial production. Nevertheless, the building has been featured in professional architectural publications and has become one of the points of interest on tours of Tashkent.