The Communist Era Block

For anyone that has traveled in the former Soviet Block, the apartment complex known as the "Block" is a familiar sight creating a uniform identity. Most Bulgarians still live in or own an apartment. Fulfilling a utilitarian purpose for providing low-cost quick housing, the blocks are usually old and poorly constructed with thin walls, poor plumbing and electric wiring. This particular block is was for military officers adjacent to a now closed army based. As is common in Bulgaria, construction of the other side of the block was halted for lack of funding more than 10 years ago. Currently, the block has been bought by a private contractor and is being remodeled, showing fast real estate development in Bulgaria in the past couple of years.