2025-07-16
At the beginning of July, following facade restoration, the building at 11 Grēcinieku Street was officially commissioned. This six-story residential building, which surrounds St. Peter’s Church with its large volume, was restored by the apartment owners with financial support from the municipality. According to the project manager from SIA “Rīgas namu pārvaldnieks”, this was the most extensive historical facade restoration they’ve undertaken so far — the entire 3,798 m² facade of the 47-apartment building was renewed.
Laura Geistarde-Šube, a board member of the homeowners’ association, shared:
“We are happy and proud that we didn’t give up — that we were able to reach an agreement and found the right words to convince those who were hesitant. I really hope that our accomplishment inspires others — everything is possible, even when a house is jointly owned by nearly 50 apartment owners!”
Mārtiņš Paurs, board member of SIA “Rīgas namu pārvaldnieks”, added:
“Completing a project of this scale, we can only express our gratitude again and again to the active residents! I’m glad to see this kind of initiative growing. This summer, we’re working on eight more historical facades and preparing to renovate over 60 buildings that have applied for ALTUM funding.”
The building at 11 Grēcinieku Street is a significant part of the Old Town’s urban landscape. Although constructed in 1954, architect Osvalds Tīlmanis used architectural details to bring its appearance closer to the spirit of the historic district. Project architect Jānis Caunītis explains:
“The facade design features a wide range of decorative elements typical of 16th to early 18th-century buildings — rusticated corners, belt courses, volutes, profiled window trims, ornate triangular pediments, and a steep gabled roof. The facade color palette also enhances the architectural expression — light decorative elements stand out against monochromatically dark surfaces.”
The project was carried out in two stages with a total budget of €583,107. For the first stage, Riga City Council provided €15,495 in co-financing. For the second stage, the building has applied for an additional €30,000, which still awaits municipal approval.
At the request of the apartment owners and under the supervision of SIA “Rīgas namu pārvaldnieks”, the restoration project was implemented by:
SIA “Rīgas namu pārvaldnieks” offers its managed buildings a complete project management cycle — including assistance in forming homeowners’ associations, engaging designers, concluding all necessary contracts, participating in construction meetings, and preparing final reports. The company also helps apply for municipal co-financing and obtain bank loans.
The municipality covers 50% of facade renovation or hazard mitigation repair costs, up to €30,000 per building. To cover the remaining expenses, apartment owners use the building’s savings fund and/or take out bank loans.
