In the early 18th century, urban reconstruction began in Russia. Wooden structures were replaced with stone buildings, and there were increased requirements for fire safety, façade composition, and placement according to a pre-designed layout plan. Due to the shortage of qualified architects and builders, a system of “exemplary” (or standard) design was created.

The impetus for the reconstruction of Belgorod was the fires that occurred in the city on April 10 and 11, 1766. The incident was reported to Empress Catherine II. It was decided to develop a city plan with a regular street layout similar to that of Tver.

In 1767, a local architect surveyed and drew a detailed plan of Belgorod, which depicted the old irregular layout of the city with its winding streets and alleys, as well as the surrounding areas, including all the burned structures. It was this plan that the draftsmen of the Commission used as the basis to create the new regular plan.

Another plan with a regular street layout was developed and signed on April 18, 1767. The architect’s signature is unclear, but it may have been signed by Alexey Vasilyevich Kvasov, who, from 1763, was in charge of the architectural section of the Commission for the Stone Construction of St. Petersburg and Moscow.

The central part of the plan featured an octagonal “market square” with 64 stone shops and 20 storage barns. According to the plan, the whole city was supposed to be divided into 16 blocks, 4 of which were to be built up with stone houses, while the rest — with wooden houses and mud huts. This plan was created without taking into account the buildings that survived the fire, the fortress’s kremlin and the terrain’s relief. It is likely that the architect developed the project without visiting the site. The plan was not accepted and implemented, as it required the complete demolition of existing buildings or the construction of the city in a new location.

In 1768, Alexey Vasilyevich Kvasov developed a new design. The plan was presented to Empress Catherine II, who approved it, writing, “So be it.” During the implementation, changes were made to the plan to save costs and maximize the use of old buildings, integrating them into the new plan.

The realization of the plan had a significant impact on the formation of the modern appearance of Belgorod. In recognition of the architect Alexey Vasilyevich Kvasov’s contributions, Belgorod decided in the 21st century to perpetuate the memory of him by naming a street in his honor.