Aviator Homes Being Built at the Edge of Raadi Airfield in Tartu
Construction of the Aviator Homes has begun at the edge of Raadi airfield in Tartu, with underground work currently underway. Three buildings are being constructed first, containing a total of 84 apartments, and the first residents will receive keys at the end of next year. In total, the Aviator residential district will have over 200 homes. The new district's developer is Reterra, and the construction contractor is Mapri Ehitus.
The Aviator residential area, inspired by aviation, with ten distinctive buildings, is located in Raadi village in Tartu municipality on the territory of the former military airfield. The address of the first buildings is Ermi Street – this is the former airfield taxiway that connected the new and old runways. Additionally, buildings will be constructed on Piloodi and Stardirada streets and Vahtkonna road.
Mapri Ehitus project manager Priit Paulus says that in November, construction began on two buildings and foundation work is underway. According to Paulus, the first two buildings will be handed over to new residents by the end of next year, while the third is planned to be completed in spring 2026.
The developer of the Aviator residential district, Reterra, emphasizes that the project is Tartu municipality's first planned on the principle of car-free living. According to Reterra's CEO Reigo Randmets, one of the project's main goals is to value the region's aviation heritage by using the old runway as a parking lot for the residential district and thus reducing the environmental carbon footprint caused by asphalt paving. The project's entire concept, from its name to the design of interior finishing packages, is also inspired by aviation.
"Our idea is to create a modern and safe living environment where a car-free and thoughtfully designed quality recreational area is a real asset, and parking spaces on the sides of the district are free for residents," said developer Reigo Randmets. The development includes ten apartment buildings, two of which are already on sale. Apartment prices start from 166,900 euros, which is one of the best offerings on the Tartu real estate market in suburban new developments. Additionally, Tartu municipality will begin construction of an educational center in autumn, bringing a new primary school and kindergarten to the area, making Raadi even more practical for families with children.
Mapri Ehitus CEO Tarmo Roos believes that the demand for modern homes in a special location shows an upward trend. "The Aviator project is certainly also a bit special since we are building homes next to an old airfield where history is truly visible. As for residential construction and demand for living space more broadly, one can be satisfied with falling Euribor rates and the associated growth in people's purchasing interest. This is also visible in Tallinn, where we are building a residential district on the former Hippodrome site and where our work is bearing fruit in the literal sense of the word."
Project manager Priit Paulus would like to own one apartment in each development he manages, as he knows exactly what quality is being created. "The charm of the Aviator development is ultimately a very personal and peaceful living environment where all services are available nearby," he notes.
In collaboration with the architecture firm KUU Architects, a solution has been created where the buildings are arranged in a grid format inspired by aviation history. The homes will have a landscaped green city, complemented by a large recreational center complete with a parkour field, swings, and greenhouses. The landscape architecture solution was authored by TajuRuum architects. With the car-free residential area in mind, parking has been moved to the former airport runway, keeping the courtyard area spacious and safe.
