Helsinki's 'Piss Tower' demolished, leaving only a concrete patch

The "Kusitorni" (Piss Tower), a staircase connecting Asiakkaankatu to Itäväylä in Helsinki's Itäkeskus district, has been permanently removed. The structure, once a local landmark despite its unsavory nickname, is now gone, leaving a visible gap where it once stood.

While the site is now empty, its presence is still marked by a patch of new fencing on the bridge railing and clean concrete on the bridge surface, replacing the tower's opening. The Helsinki city council announced the demolition in May, justifying it as part of efforts to develop the area and enhance its overall comfort and appeal.

The "Kusitorni" was notorious for its dilapidated state, often described as having "vague stains, vandalized windows, and its characteristic stench." Despite its grim reputation, the structure was also remembered with a degree of warmth and even nostalgia by some locals, with one mention of a "memorial beer."

City officials acknowledged the tower's poor condition, with Deputy Mayor for Urban Environment Johanna Laisaari stating, "Its poor condition is a recognized fact. It receives feedback from residents, and as an East Helsinki resident, I have personally verified its condition when using the bridge." Demolition work commenced in May.

Currently, there is no replacement shortcut to the bus stop planned, leaving the future of pedestrian access in the immediate area uncertain. The demolition was carried out "as quickly as possible" to address the long-standing issues associated with the structure.