My sister just returned from a trip to Moscow & St. Pete. Traveled between the cities by river.
Her career has beed in urban planning in the DC/Metro area. I'll be interested to discuss this with her & see if she has any current pics of these old buildings..
This video is interesting:
http://www.russiatoday.com/Art_and_Fun/2009-05-30/Cultural_heritage_in_ruins__is_there_a_future_for_Russia_s_historic_mansions.html