The history of Restaurant Kaivohuone dates back to the 19th century. The most recent major renovation was carried out in 2004, when the restaurant’s interior and terrace were updated to meet modern needs. Photo: Martin Sommerschield, Kuvatoimisto Kuvio Oy
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The City of Helsinki is in the final stages of selling the historic Kaivohuone restaurant, with the bidding deadline set for 17 April. The city also confirmed that Kulosaaren kartano and 11 surrounding buildings will be added to its public property sale by the end of March.
Both sites are cultural landmarks.
The city is seeking private buyers through competitive tenders to take over the properties and repurpose them, as they are no longer used for municipal services.
Kaivohuone, located at Iso Puistotie 1 in Kaivopuisto, dates back to 1838. It is one of Helsinki’s oldest restaurant buildings and a notable example of 19th-century spa culture. The two-storey structure includes a basement and covers 2,524 square metres.
The sale also includes a unique addition: a public toilet built for the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. The buyer will be required to lease the 3,503-square-metre plot of land beneath the building from the city.
Later this week, the city will open bidding on Kulosaaren kartano, a manor house situated on a coastal site at Kipparlahdensilmukka 5. The manor dates back to the 1700s and is surrounded by 11 other buildings, the newest of which was constructed in 1992.
The city is looking for a buyer who will develop the site for recreational use, in line with Helsinki’s tourism and leisure services. Proposals must align with existing zoning regulations and land lease conditions. Alongside the purchase offer, applicants must submit a business plan and concept for future use, both of which will factor into the city’s decision.
The buyer will also be required to lease the surrounding 16,600 square metres of land.
The sales are part of a broader strategy to offload buildings not essential to city services. In recent years, Helsinki has sold or leased several historic sites, aiming to give them new life through private investment while preserving their cultural value.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
