The Manufactory Quarter Got Its Cornerstone: A Fragment of the Factory's Glorious Past Sealed in a Time Capsule

North Tallinn celebrated the next step in the district's development on November 7th with the laying of the Manufaktuur cornerstone. The reconstruction of the historic factory building and the 12 residential buildings of Manufaktuur reached this milestone ceremonially.

During the factory building reconstruction, the historic facade appearance is being preserved, the stones are being cleaned, and damaged areas have been replaced with materials from Narva Manufaktuur. For this reason, a time capsule could not be placed under the cornerstone in the traditional manner, as the building walls are already standing. Therefore, a special recess was made in the foundation for this purpose.

In addition to a traditional newspaper, the time capsule was filled with pieces of the past from the former Baltic Cotton Spinning and Weaving Factory: a thread spool used in past production and a piece of fabric that was woven in these buildings decades ago. The thread spool and fabric piece bear witness to the role the factory played in Tallinn's industrial landscape and how it shaped the character of the surrounding area. 

Hepsor Estonia Country Manager Mihkel Mäger said that in transforming the district into a contemporary living environment, it is important to create harmony with the region's heritage. "We value what makes Manufaktuur special and important, but we are bringing it to the present so that the district becomes the heart of North Tallinn, as it historically has been the center of this area," explained Mäger.

"An architect's work on building renovation is well done when the architect's ambition is not visible, but the space itself begins to live and feels natural," said Vabriku architect Mihkel Tüür. "Manufaktuur, with its dimensions and history, has very specifically dictated what this space can be. Our task was to translate this logic to the present day, to find a balance between contemporary needs and solutions while preserving the character that makes Vabriku so special."

The project team and builders from Mitt&Perlebach were thanked together, whose daily work and effort have begun to take visible shape at the site. After the speeches, the mixed choir Vox Populi, conducted by Janne Fridolin, performed a song, during which all who wished could add their own memories to the time capsule and then seal it with mortar.

Manufaktuur as a whole, however, is undergoing major change, with nearly 400 homes already created in the district. Next year, 49 apartments at Manufaktuuri 12 will be completed, and the first phase of Vabriku will be finished in 2027. "We keep sustainability in focus throughout the entire district development and follow the same philosophy in Vabriku, Manufaktuuri 7, and Manufaktuuri 12 buildings. We want to create a contemporary and human-centered living environment that will stand the test of time," said Mäger. Gradually, new residential and commercial spaces are being completed here, where you can already find cafes, art studios, and other ways to spend time. Additionally, Tallinn plans to build a kindergarten in the district. The center of the district will feature a large and diverse park with rich green areas and varied landscapes.

You can read more details about the district's future here: https://hepsor.ee/manufaktuur/