A Time Capsule “Heart of Hanza” Solemnly Embedded in the Foundations
A time capsule has been embedded in the foundations of the “Heart of Hanza” apartment complex, which is currently constructed at 3b Hanzas Street in the historic center of Riga. The building is scheduled for completion in 2026, with a total project investment of 35 million euros.
During the ceremony, speeches were given by Aleksandra Strode board member of SIA “LNK Properties,” Genadijs Kamkalovs, director of AS “LNK Industries,” Klāvs Galenieks, architect from the architectural firm AB3D, Līga Kohtanena, senior sales consultant at “Latvia Sotheby’s International Realty,” and Dmitrijs Latiševs, chairman of the board at “BluOr Bank.” The capsule contained current newspapers “Diena” and “Dienas Bizness,” a coin from the Bank of Latvia featuring a heart image, a message to future generations, a level, a heart-shaped keychain, a bank pin, and a USB drive with building plans.
‘The project name ‘Heart of Hanza’ reflects both the city’s rich history and the unique location of the building. The Hanzas quarter is rapidly developing with new residential properties, cultural spaces, business centers, and parks – all for the comfort and well-being of new residents. This complex, located at the intersection of Art Nouveau and modern business districts, will be a true oasis in the city center. With its closed territory, private garden, children’s playgrounds, special areas for pets, and relaxation zones, it will offer a lifestyle like no other. The illuminated facade, well-arranged sidewalks, and bustling commercial alley will create a safe and orderly environment for local residents and city guests. The ‘Heart of Hanza’ complex is not just a living space, but a unique investment in urban development,’ said Aleksandra Strode, board member of ‘LNK Properties’.
“The ‘Heart of Hanza’ complex is one of the largest civil construction projects we have undertaken so far, and this moment in the construction process, when a capsule is placed in the building’s foundations symbolizing our responsibility to the future, is very significant for us builders. The existing engineering networks and the substation for the power supply have already been dismantled; we have built piles and sheet walls at the site, connected the external water supply, and constructed a temporary drainage system under the building foundations. This was one of the most complex geotechnical challenges, as creating a temporary drainage system was the best solution to ensure the necessary level and volume of groundwater lowering. We also used the innovative ‘white tank’ method during construction, ensuring high-quality waterproofing for the foundations and basement walls.
Intensive ground works are being carried out at the construction site, including the concreting of foundation grills, plates, and basement wall columns. Soon, we will begin connecting the heating system. The building’s foundations rest on 968 piles, most of which form the perimeter structure of the basement walls. This project uses reinforced concrete walls, beams, and reinforced concrete monolithic floors. The result will be a modern apartment complex that meets contemporary standards, where residents will feel cozy and comfortable,” described Genadijs Kamkalovs, director of AS “LNK Industries.”
The building project was developed by the architectural firm “AB3D”. “We are standing on a construction site, but soon, there will be new beautiful apartments with green courtyards and large windows facing Hanzas Street. Inspired by the historic surroundings and with a clear vision for the future, a lot of work has been done to create a vision and develop a project so that a beautiful and modern residential building can be built here, between the new and historic Riga. It’s a joy to see it start to come to life,” emphasized architect Klāvs Galenieks in his speech.
The upcoming apartment complex will be an energy-efficient A-class residential building, offering 127 apartments ranging from 49 to 350 square meters. BluOr Bank has financed the project with 17 million euros.
