Cornerstone laid in Noblessner for Estonia’s most seafront residential/commercial development
A cornerstone was laid today in the historical Noblessner Home Port complex for the residential/commercial project being developed by BLRT and Merko. The first building in the Home Port development will stand just seven metres from the current waterline and the apartments and commercial properties are scheduled for completion by late 2017.
The director of the Merko Ehitus Eesti residential construction division, Tiit Kuusik, said Home Port unites a unique seaside location and high quality of architecture and construction. The architecture was designed by an Estonian architectural design office Arhitektuuribüroo Pluss, the winner of an international invitational competition. The architects have placed the focus on people’s living environment, logistics and activities. “Home Port was developed considering the people living there – cars will be moved out of the way, on to an underground level, the interior courtyards have private play and recreational areas, the buildings are surrounded by paths meant for pedestrians, an open plaza area and promenade. The distinguished apartments and commercial spaces are suited for a demanding customer who has an appreciation for flexibility and uncompromising quality,” added Kuusik.
Ivar Piirsalu, the real estate development director for BLRT Group, which is developing the entire Noblessner area, says this part of the city is on the cusp of a transition from industrial area to a refined residential, commercial and entertainment environment. “Noblessner’s fascinating history goes back to 1913, when a submarine building shipyard was established here. The plan is to renovate the imposing historical buildings step by step and give them new life, for instance as office space, cafes and restaurants or an art gallery,” said Piirsalu regarding the future of Home Port. In just a few years, BLRT will have built a promenade with a new plaza, renovated the yacht club and turned the old foundry into a concert venue.
THE NOBLESSNER project (http://noblessner.merko.ee/) encompasses a total four apartment buildings that will have 208 apartments and close to 3,700 m² of office and retail space. In the first stage, a six-storey, 66-unit apartment building will be built right on the seafront, along with a 225-space underground garage. Due to their location close to the water and sea views, the exclusive commercial spaces planned for the ground floor of the Staapli 4 apartment building are perfect for restaurants and cafes and companies that want to capitalize on the seaside ambience. The second stage will consist of three apartment buildings at Staapli 3, 8 and 12.
The Noblessner port complex puts value on the unique historical environment and picturesque seaside location. In the immediate vicinity are the Seaplane Harbour, Kalamaja Park and the European IT Agency headquarters to be completed by the end of 2017. Today, access to the Noblessner is via Tööstuse Street. When the buildings are completed, there will be an additional access route directly from Kalaranna Street (Kalaranna tänav), including pedestrian and cycle paths that will be connected to the pedestrian and cycle tunnel, plaza, promenade and Kalaranna Road (Kalaranna tee). Parking areas will be established, and later parking garages as well.