Historic Riga Art Nouveau building set for major renovation

A significant Art Nouveau building located at Brīvības Street 88 in Riga, which once stood as one of the capital's largest residential complexes, is showing promising signs of revival. Despite its current dilapidated state, the building retains its majestic presence, characterized by imposing gate entrances and a distinctive rounded corner tower.

There is now hope that this grand structure will regain its former splendor. A comprehensive redevelopment project for the building has been finalized and approved. Juris Kalvelis, a board member of the building's owner, SIA "MJ Development," shared insights into the vision and plans for the complex and the journey toward its realization.

Described by the Riga Art Nouveau Center as an "impressive size residential building with shops," the structure occupies two plots at a city block corner, enclosing a spacious inner courtyard intended as a shopping arcade. Its facade showcases a synthesis of stately Art Nouveau and Neoclassical elements, according to architectural experts.

With the redevelopment project approved and coordinated, construction work is anticipated to commence this year, marking a new chapter for the historic edifice.