By Maris Tiknuss
Almost every building in the downtown of Riga can boast a long and rich
history. Almost every stone retains a story about the history of Riga and Latvia. The Riga
Latvian Society House plays a special role in the course of our history. Even today upon
entering the house you can sense the ancient ambience, and the spacious halls and hallways
echo the former splendour and glory that once reigned in these walls. However, the time
tears and wears – if we want to convey this building as a witness of Riga's
history to the next generations, we need to carry out a serious renovation both of the
interior and the facade.
During the evaluation of Riga buildings that could be appropriate for
the EBRD Board of Governors' Meeting, The Riga Latvian Society House was included in the
list. The house is the projected venue of the Business Forum, including its presentations,
seminars and informal meetings.
In order to prepare the Riga Latvian Society House for successful
implementation of the Forum, Birojs 2000 announced a tender for the right to
perform renovation and restoration works in this building. The tender was closed on April
9, 1999, and it was awarded to joint stock company Restaurators, but the tendered
right to supervise the construction works was granted to Viktors Purins, the President of
Builders' Association. The costs of the repair works are estimated at 1.2 million Lats,
and it is envisaged to finance these expenses from the Government budget funds allocated
for the State Investment Programme.
Changes will concern both the facade of the house and the interior
– installation of new roofing is planned, renovation of the facade and its painting,
restoration of interior details, a complex restoration of the Theatre Hall, as well as a
series of different refurbishment works. Restoration and repair works are planned to be
completed in February next year.
