Torņa iela, Rīga, Vecrīga

The House of Architects, located in Old Riga and more commonly known as the historical "Swedish Gate" building, is looking for a long-term tenant. The house stands between Torņa and Trokšņu streets, including a part of the medieval Riga fortification wall and one of its towers - St. Jura Tower. The wall was built for protection already in the 13th century, but three centuries later, when the fortification had lost its military significance, it was gradually surrounded on both sides by residential buildings, which today have become the business cards of the Old Riga landscape. Currently, the building is adapted to the needs of events and offices, and the layout includes several halls, offices, technical rooms, as well as a cafeteria with a kitchen area.
The large hall (73 m2) is located on the 2nd floor of the building. The large windows offer an attractive view of Torņa and Trokšņu streets, as well as the rooftops of Old Riga. The halls special features include excellent acoustics and a perfectly tuned Estonia grand piano. The hall can be darkened during the day. The hall can accommodate up to 80 seats. Capacity without seats - up to 100 people. St. Jirgens Tower 2nd Floor Hall- 28 m2. This hall of the tower is located next to the large hall and is suitable both for small, solemn events and as an additional room for events held in the large hall. In the middle of the hall of St. Jirgens tower is an antique table with chairs. Chairs are also placed all around the perimeter of the hall. St. Jirgens Tower 1st Floor Hall (24 m2) is located in the basement, it is 24 m² in size and suitable for holding small, official events and meetings for about 15 people. Also, the hall is useful as an additional space for events that take place in the adjacent basement cafe. The hall has good acoustics. Basement Cafe Space – 31 m2. Formerly, the Architects House cafe operated in this space. Its original interior, created in 1981 by one of the former presidents of the Latvian Architects Association, architect Edvīns Vecumnieks, is still wonderfully preserved – Soviet modernism interiors in public spaces are rare. The space is 31 m² in size, with 25 comfortable seats.
The Architects House has undergone several transformations. In the late 17th century, residents suggested extending Aldaru Street through the then-defense wall and building, citing inconvenient traffic infrastructure. The construction was led by master Hinrihs Henike, and considering that the work took place during Swedish rule, the new gate gained the legendary name "Swedish Gate." They were decorated with lion heads carved in stone, and there were sashes on both sides of the streets, the hinges of which can still be seen on the side of Troksņu Street. After the World War I, the House of Architects was close to collapse - it was saved from complete destruction by the Association of Latvian Architects, founded in 1922, which rebuilt the building for its own needs.