Projects in Vilnius

[Monkey]

Congratulations, Kim! :okay: Sounds like a good plan, and I wish you luck with your thesis. :)

You're right: Vilnius IS beautiful! But then so are Kaunas, Klaipeda, Siauliai and so many other Lithuanian cities ... :happy:

P.S. I'm used to being addressed as WH. My full name is just too long to write. ;)

[John]

Kim, this is indeed very interesting and it's great you chose this theme for your work, if you need some help on some questions just ask, I'm sure Lithuanian guys here would help, after all it's we who witnessed the process which you're going to write about ;)

As for the photos, you might find even more interesting photographs on this forum, Vilnius is quite well represented here and if you look to some earlier threads you may find lotsa fresh and nice pictures of Vilnius. :)

[Kim André]

P.S. I'm used to being addressed as WH. My full name is just too long to write. ;)

Hehe, I thought I might get your real name with writing just the initials. I'll adress you ase Whose Hompage from now on ;) It's important to use people's full name, I think.

So, can you briefly update me on how an american got fascinated by Scandinavia and Baltics? :dance2:

[Kim André]

Kim, this is indeed very interesting and it's great you chose this theme for your work, if you need some help on some questions just ask, I'm sure Lithuanian guys here would help, after all it's we who witnessed the process which you're going to write about ;)

Ah... yes! I was hoping for this! To get in touch with Lithuanians who are experiencing all these changes, and some who also might know of institutions/persons of interest for me, is off course very welcome! :bow::okay:

[Monkey]

Lol, Kim, that's easy: it's because I'm an immigrant. :)

And, although it's a no-no, people address me by my real name every once in a while. ;)

Watch your PMs. :happy:

[Moolio]

@WH: You're an immigrant? I didn't know that. So what's your original home state? :)

[Geex]

Kim André i'm glad you decided to move into Lithuania, and i would like to see your project about Lithuania (very very much).

And still i'm thinking now about taking another construction photo update for Vilnius, there was (and still is) a lot of new construction near Vilnius-Panevezys highway so if will have enough time i will go there tomorow to take some pictures.

What is interesting about new development in Vilnius is that people are tired (or construction companies think so) of "city life", so a lot of new construction is being made in woods around Vilnius, good example is in woods near Sauletekis, i found it accidentally (it's lowrise), another development of Vilnius city is between Vilnius-Panevezys highway and Vilnius-Moletai-Utena road there was a lot of construction in this year (but it's not highrise :( ).

Still i saw some new commies is rising up in this area, so i will try to do some photos :) And i think to do some photos of Siemens arena (it's allmost finished).

And another think is highrise commies near "Vilniaus kolegija" i will try to visit them :)

And sorry for my not too good english :(

[Monkey]

I didn't really know there is so much construction going on in the outskirts of Vilnius, geex! :cool:

And no need to apologize for your English. :) It's perfectly understandable, you're doing great! :okay: Besides, I don't think anyone of us here has English as mother tongue.

Which brings me to Moolio's question: I'm originally from Hamburg, which explains my close connection to the S/B countries. :grouphug:

[John]

Geex, don't worry about your English, very few of us here speak and write perfect English ;)

As for a construction update it would be cool, there are lots of stuff going on near Vilnius-Panevezys road (the biggest one is near Baltpark Hotel, I even dunno how many buildings are U/C there, AFAIK, at least 5 twelve-floorers and bunch of smaller buildings of 5-10 floors), it would be great if you take some shots of this place, too.

[Moolio]

Hamburg? I've heard it's a beatiful city, perhaps I get to visit it someday. What made you move to Cali (excluding, of course, the obvious: sun, great university, lotsa scrapers in the vicinity :D)? Ok, maybe that was a stupid question...

[Monkey]

You're right, Moolio, Hamburg IS beautiful! :okay: I do hope you'll get to visit it. :)

And how did I end up here? Uhhhh, a number of things, and two stick out: I got married, and then after a while we got tired of living in Manhattan, and so we came out here. :happy:

[Kim André]

Geex, I really like your photos of the projects going on in Vilnius. Keep up the good work! :) :okay:

I will not be completely finished with my project before spring 2006, but I'll keep you updated! I might send you a copy of it when I'm finished ;)

[Geex]

Ok here follows another update... U/C near Vilnius-Panevezys highway & more :)
My trip was a little bit interupted by rain so i didint take a lot photos, but thats good, because you will see another update soon :)

Commies near Vilnius-Panevezys highway.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5902.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5903.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5904.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5905.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5906.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5907.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5908.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5909.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5910.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5911.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5912.jpg

And there is some new space prepared for U/C near this commies so i think new residental/commercial development will be under construction here :)

Another new commies

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5913.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5914.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5915.jpg

Road to ??? ;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5916.jpg

And more commies

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5917.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5918.jpg

Siemens arena

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5919.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5921.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5922.jpg

Some view near Siemens arena

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5920.jpg

And commercial brake ;)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5923.jpg

MORE commies

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5924.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5925.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5926.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5927.jpg

Thats it for today.. Another update will be following soon ;)

[John]

Great update Geex :okay:, lotsa new commies popping up everywhere.

these are being built by some unknown company "Mabilta", in total five 12-floorers, two 9-floorers and one 10-floorer, plus some smallers ones
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/IMG_5911.jpg

http://www.mabilta.lt/ukmerges/img/d_namas.jpg

[sdes]

Nice photos guys, but commies? I don't think so. They look like normal modern residential buildings.

[John]

@sdes

I think nowadays real commieblocks as such are not built anymore, we just call them "commieblocks" because they resemble them by the looks and they are identical to each other i.e. few buildings are built according to the same design. As from the inside they sure are normal modern residential buidings with free or semi-free planning of earch apartment according to the needs of residents :)

[ch1le]

frigin weird... is there really so much need in Vilnius for blocks? In estonia a normal person moves out of a commieblock into a house with a garden.. or a detached house... or a Scraper ;)

[Edd]

@Geex: Thanks for another update :okay:.
@ch1le: There is a need for everything in Vilnius from a to z ;). And there are every sort of projects for "living space" - from big villages around Vilnius with private houses to "commieblocks".

[Geex]

frigin weird... is there really so much need in Vilnius for blocks? In estonia a normal person moves out of a commieblock into a house with a garden.. or a detached house... or a Scraper ;)

There is much need for everything in Vilnius, there was 7 (or more) new private houses districts builded around Vilnius in last&this year. But i think it's normal that many people still moves to commies, because not all can buy new house outside Vilnius.

[John]

Actually a new house near Vilnius doesn't cost much more than an apartment in a "commieblock". Some people just prefer living in this kind of apartment buildings because they've got more services, usually cheaper cable TV, internet etc. Plus they're usually closer to the city center and have better infrastructure what is always an advantage. I would never prefer living in a private house somewhere outside the city surrounded by forests and village atmosphere ;)

[ch1le]

John i agree with you, i wouldnt like that either... but the general public would, living in middle of a city is my dream. not in woods surrounded by bears :)

[John]

John i agree with you, i wouldnt like that either... but the general public would, living in middle of a city is my dream. not in woods surrounded by bears :)

That's a very right way of thinking. People should live more concentrated and use public transportation and other public services instead of driving tens of km's from some suburban village. Now it's quite weird to see new private house quarters rising outside the city while there's pleny of unoccupied land inside the city itself. At least this is the case in Vilnius.

[Edd]

Now it's quite weird to see new private house quarters rising outside the city while there's pleny of unoccupied land inside the city itself. At least this is the case in Vilnius.
So what do you suggest? To build small private houses in/close to the city center or to force everyone to live in the city in "commieblocks" and other high-rises. :)

[John]

@Edd

I suggest all to live in multistorey buildings inside the city. :)

[Kim André]

I love those new "commieblocks", I think they are just about the dreamhome of my life. If they are in central Vilnius, I'll try to get hold of one when I move to Lithuania! ;)

[ch1le]

That's a very right way of thinking. People should live more concentrated and use public transportation and other public services instead of driving tens of km's from some suburban village. Now it's quite weird to see new private house quarters rising outside the city while there's pleny of unoccupied land inside the city itself. At least this is the case in Vilnius.


yep John very true, people nowadays live so fat from the city centres that no public transport reaches there, so they relay on cars, not good for the general traffic in centre... :(

[Geex]

I love those new "commieblocks", I think they are just about the dreamhome of my life. If they are in central Vilnius, I'll try to get hold of one when I move to Lithuania! ;)

Those commieblocks is located in the end of Vilnius, but there are plenty of them in central Vilnius too, only costs is a little bit high :)

There was a new record in Vilnius, an aparment with wonderfull view to old city was sold for 3300000 Litas (~1000000 Euro) :cheers:

[Gatis]

Fine commies, really!
Its a pitty that people in Riga over the last 10 years were so much concentrated on building private housing districts...
I fully agree with @John - city should not spread like an octopus... It should have dense central part and lost of unspoilt nature outside its borders available for public.

[Geex]

Fine commies, really!
Its a pitty that people in Riga over the last 10 years were so much concentrated on building private housing districts...
I fully agree with @John - city should not spread like an octopus... It should have dense central part and lost of unspoilt nature outside its borders available for public.

Well private housing districts is not evil itself, it's even good (for life quality), it's another problem with communications in those districts, if there is public transport, public services & stuff, then i don't see anything wrong with it :)

[Geex]

Another little update :)

Renderings for new Res/Com construction in Vilnius (Construction allready started so photos may be added later)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/BiG1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v437/geex/BiG2.jpg

Project info:

Complex will consist of ten blocks of houses (two – sixteen floors, eight – eleven floors)
400 new apartmens
Kindergarten
Elementry school
Pool with all additional stuff :)
+ Some commercial space in first floors and buildings near this complex

[ch1le]

its a bit on the commie side, but practical, and it seems very tall! Just one thing annoys me, the view from lower windows spoiled - u just can see the other block.

[Gatis]

wohoho... what an apartment block "attack"! Soon all people in Vilnius will find their place :)

[Edd]

That project was posted here a long time ago, it is also mentioned at the first page of this thread. There were a few different renderings, so it's quite unclear to me how they are going to look like.

[blimey]

Heating in those commies as well as some other stuff will be controlled by some mysterious computer system, i heard. Also i heard that they'll have their own lan and lots of other IT crap. Should be pretty good.

[John]

^^

yeah will be good for PC game addicts to play CS (or whatever they play now on LAN) :|

[ex. SDmaster]

Yeah, seems, that Vilnius has commiebolcks 2.0 construction boom... :)

[Mantas]

The development of the North Town is keeping on :D This time no commies, but an office complex. See a TV reportage thru the following link ;)

HERE (http://www.tv.lt/f_clip.asp?id=67707319-23FA-47A9-B3E9-B5F001D87891)

[Monkey]

Thanks, Mantai! :) I just watched it. Looks like a large project! :okay: Not so super high, though. :(

[Mantas]

Yep, although a nice addition to the most modern district of Vilnius :yes: Btw, I have lots of pics in my mini RW, but I can't find a CD-RW + free access to the Internet, so you must be patient for now :)

[Edd]

New 18 000 sq. m. luxurious shopping center "G9" will open in a place of a previuosly main municipality building in Gediminas avenue. The building:
http://img25.exs.cx/img25/5156/file884970_tramvai.jpg

Sorry for that tram - I could not find a better photo with that building.

Company "Ajolas" (some unknown company registered in Kaunas) which is controlled by Irish company "Duke House Assets Managers" plans to invest there 35 mio EUR.

[John]

I'm wondering how they are going to change the appearance of the building. All I'm afraid of is that the exterior might be changed too dramatically or even some old+modern "prograssive" (i.e. tasteless) combination. Anyway it's great to hear this building will be used for a proper purpose i.e. shopping+entertainment.

Some more pictures of better quality

http://www.paveldas.vilnius.lt/Photo/21991/9-1-1.jpg

http://www.paveldas.vilnius.lt/Photo/21991/9-1-4.jpg

[Vaidas]

I don't think the exterior would have to be changed much in order ti convert this building into a shopping centre. Fine examples of classic-looking shops are Magasin in Copenhagen or Harrod's in London. The first floor would have to be recontructed since entrances would have to be made.
The matter is totally different about the interior. It will have to be altered totally which makes the price of the reconstruction so high... :|

[ch1le]

why the hell do they want to change it?! Just changing the inside would do superb, the house looks fantastic as it is!

[Gladiator]

John, your photos are at least two years old.

http://g.delfi.lt/images/pix/file4643474_savivald.jpg

Per 5 Kanalo zinias rode renderius tai atrode nerealiai. Turetu kartoti 22.00 val.

[ch1le]

is Render in Lithunian seriously Renderius?! freaky.. the s in end does work in that case :):D Back to the topic: I hope it wont be Media or Maxima that will go inside that grea building? Will it be like a Department store, like Macy's or Harrods?

[Edd]

@ch1le: Rendering is "vizualizacija" in lithuanian but sometimes we use a bit improved english word rendering - "renderingas" :). The building will be rented and in top floors there will be department stores, in northern part of the building there will be cafes and restaurants. Btw why don't you like media or maxima? As far as I know there are no medias or maximas in Estonia yet.

Edit: Project was made by Danish and Lithuanian architects according to it the exterior of the building will not be changed much. And btw "G9" means "Gedimino 9".

[Mantas]

@ch1le: Rendering is "vizualizacija" in lithuanian but sometimes we use a bit improved english word rendering - "renderingas" :). The building will be rented and in top floors there will be department stores, in northern part of the building there will be cafes and restaurants. Btw why don't you like media or maxima? As far as I know there are no medias or maximas in Estonia yet.

Edit: Project was made by Danish and Lithuanian architects according to it the exterior of the building will not be changed much. And btw "G9" means "Gedimino 9".
"Renderingas" can be shortened to "renderis" and the ch1le mentioned "renderius" is only an accusative case of "renderis". Just a note ;)

[Edd]

Some more information about "Gedimino 9" project ( www.gedimino9.lt ):

In Spring 2006 a new modern shopping centre „Gedimino 9“ is to open its doors after renovation and adaptation of former Vilnius Municipality Building

KOBA is assigned to find tenants for a new 18,000 sq.m shopping centre.

The Irish company Duke House Asset Managers together with Ajolas UAB are going to invest LTL 121 million into the project.

The new shopping centre will give an opportunity to experience the feeling of shopping in the best shopping centres of European cities. The largest stake of retail space will be offered to the brands well-known in Europe, but still new for Lithuania.

“Having decided in 2001 to broaden the scope of our investments outside our traditional Irish and United Kingdom market, after some three years of research into the emerging economies we recognized Lithuania as having the fastest growing potential. Lithuania stood out from the rest and Vilnius with some 1 million of inhabitants in its catchment area as well as a thriving and ever developing tourist industry shone out as the perfect location. A growing and active real estate market is attractive from an investor’s point of view that together with one of the fastest growing retail markets in the Baltic’s encouraged us to proceed. Our decision to invest into the former municipal building was based on a perfect location and the most prime position on the very best shopping street in Vilnius”, says Mr. Hamill, Managing Partner of Duke House Asset Managers.

Design architects PLH assisted by Archinova UAB will come up with design that would enhance the streetscape of Gedimino Avenue. Engineering systems will be designed by the well-known Danish group Ramboll. Vilniaus bankas AB has been chosen as the financial partner. Constructus is coordinating the work of the entire team.

http://img98.exs.cx/img98/4318/gedimino9.jpg


Btw PLH architects are also the authors of SBA tower.

[John]

WOW, this looks better than Harrods! :eek:

Btw, the Danish PLH and Ramboll are also the architects of SBA Tower project and engineering.

[Jeffas]

The project is simply fabulous! Much better than I expected! And I really hope they keep the same colour and lighting system that look great. The big windows to the ground look very fine too.

I am intringued, however, how they are going to build that glass structure on the side because there is an entrance to the underground parking there. Or is it that entrance they wanted to represent on the rendering? Does it also mean they will demolish that old wall next to the former Oginsky palace, hm?

Thanks, Edd!

[Edd]

Actually I don't remember how that side looks like. Is there really an entrance to underground parking?
This picture shows the place from the same angle but it's old (taken before reconstruction of Gediminas avenue):
http://www.paveldas.vilnius.lt/Photo/21991/9-1-1.jpg

Btw, yeasterday on TV5 in the news there was shown the rendering and there also was some bigger glassy structure but it was hard to understand where it is going to be built. I guess that the glassy addition to the building will be in the inner yard.

[Jeffas]

Actually, the entrance to the undergrounds parking lot is right at the place where you see that piece of the fence on your old photo. And then the remaining part of the fence continues all the way down to the Writer's Union cafeteria (a REALLY funky place! :D). It means it will have to be demolished (some spears to be broken against the armies of the heritage protectors! :D)

Actually, I believe it's a good idea to have the internal courtyard covered with the glass roof. That's quite a usual practice in the high-end superstores. It's a really nice courtyard this building has - imagine your Christmas shopping and the nicely lit X-mas tree in the internal yard of the superstore with the cafes around!

Ok, let's keep dreaming- it is fun! :D

[John]

So it seems it's going to be THE shopping center of Vilnius, all Stockmanns and Europas fall into shadow :D

[Kim André]

I will be shopping there in the future, that's for sure! :D

Wow... looks fabolous! :)

[Dale]

Am I to understand that Estonia and Lithuania have a little rivalry going ? :)

[Edd]

Some article in Lithuanian language about "Gedimino 9":
http://img57.exs.cx/img57/5872/g33.jpg

Am I to understand that Estonia and Lithuania have a little rivalry going ? :)
Maybe there is a rivalry in this forum but only between skylines of Vilnius and Tallinn (definitely not between all Estonia and all Lithuania and also definitely not between all Vilnius and all Tallinn - I think it's clear who are the leaders in these cases ;)).

[Estboy]

@Edd
>( ;)
Yes,but not for long..;)

[Edd]

@Edd
>( ;)
Yes,but not for long..;)
If you mean skyline then I'm not arguing about that - it's too hard to say :). But if we talk about countries - I doubt that Estonia is going to double its population and to have more bigger and active cities (like Klaipeda and Kaunas in Lthuania).

[Moolio]

@Lithuanians/Latvians/Estonians: I understand that there isn't currently a subway system in any baltic city. Now that the Baltic economies are growing, however, you could, probably, build one. So my question is: are there any plans for building an expensive mass transit system such as subway, lightrail or the like in any Baltic cities?

[ch1le]

hey Moolio! check tallinn devp thread once in a while! :)

[Edd]

@Moolio: In Vilnius currently there are only two means of public transportation - trolleybuses and buses. In the future there are plans to build three lightrail lines in strategical plan of Vilnius the date is given for this: 2005-2015 years.
Some map (I don't think that it's the final plan):
http://www.vilnius.lt/vmsp/images/4prioritetas/schema4.gif

Btw I'm interested - are there websites for Riga and Tallinn with introduction of their city strategic plans? It would be very interesting to see them. Vilnius city strategical plan can be found there: http://www.vilnius.lt/vmsp/

[blimey]

Vilnius should build a subway system.... Thats just so much cooler than all those other ones.... Unfortunately its too expensive at the moment, and there are no plans of doing that :(

[ch1le]

@edd, Nope

[Gatis]

This is Vilnius thread... but OK - Riga is not planning to build subway in nearest decades - that's repeatedly announced by city officials over the last year. City will develop modern tram and light rail instead - there is enough to do and enough billions to spend - active planning and some investments on-going.
All the calculations up to now show that subway in Riga would be not viable financially and existing passenger flow would be moved around more efficiently with tram (f.e. no need to go down and up again). Building subway just for show-off is not good idea either...

[Gatis]

Riga has got page for the new development plan 2006-1018:
http://rpap.riga.lv/lv/actual/Default.aspx
(there was also more illustrated version - www.riga.lv/rap - but somebody has defaced it...)
City is busy elaborating its development plan which (besides being just a normal planning document) is promised to be very interesting and ambitious.

There is also a page for general citizens to "influence" the plan:
www.rigai.lv
(OK, Lithuanians will laugh again about the name...) - this page collects the proposals from general people - what should be improved in Riga and what should be included in the new general plan. Unfortunately no plans or renderings there... but the page otherwise is not that bad - City Council reacts well on proposals.

[Gatis]

There is also Webpage for Riga City Historical Center Development plan - which is making final additions...
http://www.rvc.lv/

[Edd]

Thanks Gatis for links but maybe there are some versions in English language too? Because it's quite hard to understand Latvian ;).

[Gatis]

They are only in Latvian??? :( OK, did not notice.

OMG... what were they thinking?
BTW I am myself making now a Webpage... it seems to me obvious that it should be both in Latvian and English...

[Oberleutnant]

^
That would be best.


How's SBA tower doing? Is the construction still on hold?

[Mantas]

^
How's SBA tower doing? Is the construction still on hold?
Nothing much, but I think I already saw some trucks over there :yes:

[Mantas]

The New Town [Naujamiestis] of Vilnius will get a big residential, cottage and hotel complex. The cost of this project is going to be 30 mln € and the construction will be started at the beginning of the next year.

The whole complex will be finished till the August of 2006. There will be 114 apartments and 10 cottages, or 22 000 m2 of living space. The title for this project is also mentioned as "Saltiniu namai" [Saltiniu houses].

[Geex]

Nothing much, but I think I already saw some trucks over there :yes:

Yes there is movement in SBA construction site, today i saw some trucks moving in/out and some crazy loud noise ;)

[Mantas]

They have announced a competition for the constructor or in other words very good news :D

[John]

Construction of two 23 storey residential "commieblocks" is starting near the Press House in Virsuliskes district (about 4-5km away from the center). Should be over 70m high. Maybe I'll try to make a visual how they are going to look from various places of the city.
http://www.kausta.lt/kt_image.php?ID=233

[Jeffas]

kinda ugly :sleepy: looks like in the middle of nowhere...

[John]

Yes Jeffai, the area is indeed kinda "nowhere" i.e. between Virsuliskes and Pilaite districts (for some reason tey built Pilaite completely separated from the city), although they wouldn't look like that from the opposite angle because it's just next to the press house. The place where those commies are built was designated as "Western city center" and these seem to be the first buildings there. The key factor of area's development was Pilaite Avenue which was built back in 2002 and which is supposed to be built-up from both sides by commercial, residential and various other enterprises, the plan was set back in 1998 or so.

[Jeffas]

LOL, Johnai, thanks for the explanations! What sounds funny here is the "Western city center"!! :lol: :rofl: Oh Gosh, someone must really have a plenty of imagination to call these strawberry fields a "city centre"! Well, if that's WC(C), then I do not object! :D Soon the PR specialists will make the centre of Vilnius somewhere in Grigiskes! :cheers:

[John]

@Jeffas

Vision of the development of Northern Vilnius uses a term "Northern City Center" (it was presented in an exhibit in the underground parking of Gediminas av. last year). So we've got at least 4 city centers for now: 1) city center; 2) New city center; 3) Western city center; 4) Northern city center :)
Just like Tokyo, it also has at least 2 "city centers" :D

[ANDRIUS]

Lithuanian architects still like green colour :sleepy: ....... also like orange :D

[Jeffas]

Well, I suggest to expand this "orchestra": the old town should be called "the old city center" (OCC), the airport area and neighbouring tabor of gypsies - "drug city center" (DCC), the Sauletekis campus of Vilnius University - "student city center" (SCC), the remaining old huts of Snipiskes with their multilingual inhabitants - "old Wilenszczyzna center"

We can then legitimately claim the title of the "center of the universe"! :D

[Gatis]

Its fine to build some more highrises and to have more construction activities... but architects+developer really could be a bit more ambitious. Do these new centres have central planning or the different developers come each with his ideas?

[Jeffas]

these dull high-rise appartment boxes only remind me of Moscow.... Fortunately, they are not yet building these neo-Stalinist creatures (e.g. Triumph Palace in Moscow, wow!..)

Did you know that according to the "compexity theory" the USSR did not collapse?.. Our living environment, e.g. commieblocks, has been so permeated by the Soviet things that they keep influencing our life and thinking (the "new" projects by some our architects only confirms the idea..)

[John]

Jeffai, I don't think it's only the architects who decide what to build. The company most likely sets few "requirements" for the project i.e. max. space, min. construction cost, max. profit. I hardly imagine anything else fitting such conditions ;)

[John]

two quick visuals of how those twin commies will appear in the skyline :)

from Hotel Lietuva
http://img100.exs.cx/img100/4995/IMG_1308.jpg

from TV Tower
http://img100.exs.cx/img100/8272/IMG_4445.jpg

[ANDRIUS]

You're very quick, John! :okay:
These two towers looks quite nice from NCC. Anyway, they won't be alone in that area. I would wait for complete skyline of that part of Vilnius to rate

BTW, what is the height limit in that area?

[John]

The height limit is 30 floors, there are a few visuals of how they plan this area to look like in the future, although those two residentials are not included here for some reason. That's what they've shown at MIPIM '04, you also can see the track of the Western highway in some pictures


http://img91.exs.cx/img91/9326/wcc1.jpg

http://img91.exs.cx/img91/1525/wcc2.jpg

http://img91.exs.cx/img91/2581/wcc5.jpg

http://img91.exs.cx/img91/4306/wcc.jpg

http://img91.exs.cx/img91/1691/wsc1.jpg

http://img91.exs.cx/img91/4271/wsc2.jpg

http://img93.exs.cx/img93/8208/wsc3.jpg

http://img93.exs.cx/img93/6517/wsc4.jpg


http://img93.exs.cx/img93/1594/wsc.jpg

[Jeffas]

Jeffai, I don't think it's only the architects who decide what to build. The company most likely sets few "requirements" for the project i.e. max. space, min. construction cost, max. profit. I hardly imagine anything else fitting such conditions ;)

Thanks, Jonai, for all this set of photos - some of them I've never seen before! And just as Andrius said - you're very quick with visualizations!

I like the design of these two glass towers with the leaning roofs (is it appoved?), although all these commies imho ruin the nice valey onto Gostauto street. I somehow prefer all that greenery we have there instead. I think that the a lot of charm of Vilnius is that the new "commie" parts lie separated from the older parts by a kind of "green belt" and, as my American friend said, it feels like you enter another city once you cross this nice green area on the hills. I wonder when this crazy competition for the "nice views" will be over?.. And you're right the architects who draft these projects might not have the last word, which lies with the "money holders". But in this case where are the urban planners? Just as the famous Italian-Jewish architect with his family roots in Vilnius Maximilian Fuchs said "if you own the land plot, it does not mean you can build there whatever you like".

[John]

A few fresh pictures of Helios Center construction site, the framework of the 96m high tower has started :)

http://img78.exs.cx/img78/3575/IMG_7048.jpg

http://img78.exs.cx/img78/3889/IMG_7050.jpg

http://img78.exs.cx/img78/9264/IMG_7052.jpg

http://img67.exs.cx/img67/5533/IMG_7055.jpg

[Mantas]

Thanks for the photos :okay:

[ch1le]

wow :okay: Lithuanians are fast!

[Insane alex]

Do you have a render of that tower? :)

[John]

Sure, Insane alex, here it is :)

http://www.omni.lt/includes/img/330_224561_komentarai_virsus_titulinis_kultura_architektura_vidinis.jpg

http://img93.exs.cx/img93/4816/Image46.jpg

http://www.inre.lt/g_img/past1.jpg

http://www.inre.lt/g_img/past2.jpg

[Insane alex]

Thanks, it looks real nice! :)

[John]

A few pictures of "Akropolis" office building which is being built as part of the expansion of "Akropolis" shopping center.

This thing is supposed to be 15 or 16 storeys high but it appeared that VP Market doesn't have a permission for such high building in this location so the construction was halted. In about a month it will be decided how high the building can be. Let's hope for the best :)

One thing I like about it is the double facade which uses transparent glass sheets. Should look pretty nice.
http://img9.exs.cx/img9/1941/IMG_7057.jpg

http://img97.exs.cx/img97/8602/IMG_7058.jpg

http://img97.exs.cx/img97/2452/IMG_7059.jpg


detail of the extension of shopping center (it's too big, there's no way to show the whole building in one picture), after it's done, the total area of "Akropolis" shopping center will reach 110,000m2 (125,000m2 including the office building)
http://img97.exs.cx/img97/584/IMG_7060.jpg

http://img97.exs.cx/img97/5706/IMG_7061.jpg

[Mantas]

I just add to John's ;)

13th October
http://img.miestai.net/IMGP5942.JPG

Today's
http://img.miestai.net/IMGP6153.JPG

http://img.miestai.net/IMGP6163.JPG

[Gatis]

OMG, that Akropolis thing is really big! And once more congratz with Helios project - it is fine
Btw. some months since no news about Akropolis in Riga. But there is positive feel around this project here, so there should be no problems.

[Mantas]

OMG, that Akropolis thing is really big! And once more congratz with Helios project - it is fine
Btw. some months since no news about Akropolis in Riga. But there is positive feel around this project here, so there should be no problems.
Well, sometimes Akropolis itself cause problems. It was actually "punished" today for the illegal construction of that office building. The construction is "on hold" now (seems the cranes don't stop) and the fine is 12 mln Lts (3 mln €) to invest to the surrounding infrastructure :|

[Geex]

Well, sometimes Akropolis itself cause problems. It was actually "punished" today for the illegal construction of that office building. The construction is "on hold" now (seems the cranes don't stop) and the fine is 12 mln Lts (3 mln €) to invest to the surrounding infrastructure :|

And they still happy with such small fine (as VP market officials said), BTW construction was'nt stopped so they keep building :)

[John]

Construction of the office building is stopped, there's no activity of cranes and they're not building the frame. The mayor of Vilnius himself said that the fate of that office building will be cleared in about a month. Although I guess after "punishing" VP Market, they will be granted the permission to build it :)

[Gatis]

But 3 mio EUR in surrounding infrastructure will benefit VP Market themselves! But it is good decision by city anyway.

[Mantas]

Construction of the office building is stopped, there's no activity of cranes and they're not building the frame. The mayor of Vilnius himself said that the fate of that office building will be cleared in about a month. Although I guess after "punishing" VP Market, they will be granted the permission to build it :)
Even today I saw the cranes moving (I pass the site by bus daily) ;)

[Mantas]

But 3 mio EUR in surrounding infrastructure will benefit VP Market themselves! But it is good decision by city anyway.
Yep, it will.

All this includes:
1) A new viaduct upon the busy intersection.
2) Creating a plan to regenerate the construction of the abandoned stadium.
3) Creating a park next to it

[Geex]

[QUOTE=Gatis]But 3 mio EUR in surrounding infrastructure will benefit VP Market themselves! QUOTE]

Thats why they are happy ;)

[John]

Even today I saw the cranes moving (I pass the site by bus daily) ;)

Strange, I was there today and didn't see them move. Maybe you had some beer or other alcohol before seeing it?

j/k ;)

If it's really so then it's a very good news because I want to see it rising as it was planned. And btw, 12 million LTL is 3.48 million Eur :)

[Mantas]

If it's really so then it's a very good news because I want to see it rising as it was planned. And btw, 12 million LTL is 3.48 million Eur :)
Sorry, my math skills are weaker than yours :D

[Mantas]

A new tower is announced for the NCC :banana:


Development stage: Planning

Construction Period: 2006-2008

Planned floor area: 30,000 m2

Maximal permitted height: 50 floors (yes, it's true ;))

Purpose: Multifunctional

Developper: "Vyrokas" (the same developper of the semi-circle residential in Konstitucijos av.)

http://www.euroverslas.lt/m/m_images/wfiles/iL04P4HTG.jpg

[John]

Mantaz, where you took that info from? The article which I posted in the Lithuanian forum? :)

[Gatis]

Oh la la. What is it? The highest "rumour" in Baltics so far

[Mantas]

Mantaz, where you took that info from? The article which I posted in the Lithuanian forum? :)
Yep, why? :D

@Gatis The building can be lower than the permitted height ;)

[Gatis]

OK. The highest in terms of floors.

[Mantas]

Projected skyline (by me ;))

http://img.miestai.net/dangus001.jpg

[John]

Just to make things more clear :)

The height limit was indeed 50 floors, this was mentioned in the project presentation for MIPIM '04. However this doesn't mean it will be 50 floors. A while ago a number of 36 floors was mentioned. So I doubt it would be taller than 115-120m (unless it would be an office building what I doubt).

And the "rumors" about the planned skyscraper are about 2 years old already as "Vyrokas" started construction of its building which is still U/C.

The "rumors" were again confirmed by one article-interview (http://www.euroverslas.lt/?-591294937) (in Lithuanian) where main head-officer of "Vyrokas" company is interviewed. There he is asked "what projects you are most proud of?" and he answered that they're proud of their building which is being constructed (like there's very much to be proud of, especially that green color ;)) and "the planned glass skyscraper" (appearantly the one which is seen in the model next to the current "Vyrokas" building). It's also mentioned that in the future an entire modern quartal will be formed in the place and that "all this will take 5 years" (until 2008).

That's all what is clear :)

[LatvianGG]

I also remember you guys telling that Europa Tower will be the tallest in NCC. So is this going to change?

[Mantas]

I also remember you guys telling that Europa Tower will be the tallest in NCC. So is this going to change?
It's probably just a gossip of media. Not sure if that "newer" plan is already approved.

Btw, dr. Jackal heard some rumors about a 40-storie in the NCC, so maybe they're the same ;)

[blimey]

Vyrokas will screw that project up, trust me.

[Edd]

Some small update. Commieblocks by "pi" company:
Some 16 floorer:
http://www.pin.lt/images/projects/pictures/26378.jpg

Some nicer, small commieblock:
http://www.pin.lt/images/projects/pictures/26338.jpg

http://www.pin.lt/images/projects/pictures/26335.jpg

Some time ago built commieblock:
http://www.pin.lt/images/projects/pictures/6980.jpg

http://www.pin.lt/images/projects/pictures/6983.jpg

Inside it:
http://www.pin.lt/images/projects/pictures/7008.jpg

http://www.pin.lt/images/projects/pictures/7005.jpg

Underground parking:
http://www.pin.lt/images/projects/pictures/7003.jpg

Another already built commieblocks:
http://www.pin.lt/images/projects/pictures/3609.jpg

http://www.pin.lt/images/projects/pictures/1699.jpg

http://www.pin.lt/images/projects/pictures/2439.jpg


I think that they build quite nice commies but that newest 16 floorer is the worst out of them.

[Gatis]

The last one is really pleasant. Add some ornamentation and you will have 19th century Belle Epoque revived.

[vytauc]

The construction of an extention of a tunnel on Geležinio Vilko str.- a part of the Vilnius Gate project- has begun. the number of lanes is decreased, so as a speed limit. Trafic jam was just awful- I was late to work :bash:
Anyway- one of the most ambitious projects in Baltics is gaining more speed.

[ch1le]

what? how long will the tunnel be? Tallinn might get 2 car tunnels in the near future (sorry for Ot)

[John]

what? how long will the tunnel be? Tallinn might get 2 car tunnels in the near future (sorry for Ot)

The tunnel now is ~270m long and after extension it will be about 360m long

[blimey]

I wouldnt call that tunnel an impressive project.

Its just a tunnel guys.

Vilniaus Vartai, otoh, is pretty damn impressive.

[Edd]

I wouldnt call that tunnel an impressive project.

Its just a tunnel guys.

Vilniaus Vartai, otoh, is pretty damn impressive.
So that tunnel is a part of Vilniaus vartai (Vilnius Gates) project and when vytauc said: "one of the most ambitious projects in Baltics is gaining more speed" he was talking about the same Vilnius Gates project :).

[blimey]

oh alright

[Edd]

Actually I can't wait to see SBA tower U/C. To me it is even more interesting than Vilnius Gates project.

[Mantas]

Any news about it? :(

[Edd]

Any news about it? :(
As far as I know there was a competition for construction companies anounced. The results of this competition will be clear in december. I hope that they will find some construction company after this competition and the works will start soon after it.

[Geex]

As far as I know there was a competition for construction companies anounced. The results of this competition will be clear in december. I hope that they will find some construction company after this competition and the works will start soon after it.

I was near SBA tower construction site today and they allready took out advertisment of old construction company from wall so i think things are getting better :)

[Dziki REX]

Show me where, and how it would looks and I made something like that :D but even there isn’t any renders tell me the height and how much floors. I will invent something.
http://100tka.net/~dziki/wawa/pano.jpg
http://100tka.net/~dziki/foto/rondo1xx.jpg
http://100tka.net/~dziki/wawa/r1.jpg

[Mantas]

^^^ SBA will be only 12 floorer, thus won't be seen ;) Anyway, thanks and great renderings :okay:

[John]

A couple of renderings of SBA
http://system.pii.lt/db_index/index_lt.jpg

big rendering 1772x1273 pix
http://www.ramboll.dk/cmsresources/villobbysmall.jpg

[Edd]

A few more pictures which we have of SBA tower:

In this picture 14 floors are counted, the blue vertical line which goes through all building is where elevators will be located:
http://img118.exs.cx/img118/7299/sba.jpg

http://img119.exs.cx/img119/1214/sba1.jpg

http://img120.exs.cx/img120/1039/sba2.jpg

http://img123.exs.cx/img123/9803/sba4.jpg

http://img122.exs.cx/img122/4664/sba3.jpg

http://img112.exs.cx/img112/4365/sba5.jpg

http://img113.exs.cx/img113/5596/sba6.jpg

http://img111.exs.cx/img111/7564/villobbysmall.jpg

The place where it is going to be located:
picture by Mantaz:
http://img110.exs.cx/img110/6836/IMGP3079.jpg

Picture by Vaidas:
http://img130.exs.cx/img130/9981/PICT1638.jpg

[Dziki REX]

Hm, I thought something is going on at Vilnus downtown. :D You was talking about really high scraper up to 50 flour.
I know that project above but it is quite fare from Europe tower.

[Geex]

Hm, I thought something is going on at Vilnus downtown. :D You was talking about really high scraper up to 50 flour.
I know that project above but it is quite fare from Europe tower.

Project with 50 flours is near Europa Tower, but it's still not clear how hight it will be, there could be 50 floors MAX, but could be less... :)

[Geex]

Some pics from Vilniaus Vartai construction site:

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/5023/IMG_6489.jpg

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/4926/IMG_6490.jpg

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/5665/IMG_6491.jpg

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/4618/IMG_6492.jpg

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/7990/IMG_6493.jpg

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/5984/IMG_6494.jpg

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/7483/IMG_6495.jpg

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/7708/IMG_6496.jpg

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/3504/IMG_6497.jpg

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/3078/IMG_6498.jpg

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/8619/IMG_6500.jpg

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/7550/IMG_6501.jpg

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/1013/IMG_6517.jpg

[John]

looks like some serious stuff is about to begin there soon :eek:
http://img132.exs.cx/img132/7483/IMG_6495.jpg

[blimey]

Great update, thanks geex

[Mantas]

Hehe, I never noticed this sign here :laugh:

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/4926/IMG_6490.jpg

[Gatis]

Could you show what's going to be built here???
Remember that place - that tunnel with buildings over it creates good impression when entering from Riga in Vilnius.

[Edd]

@Gatis: The newest rendering but a bit of a bad quality :(. It is not very clearly shown up here, but that tall building will be located above tunnel:
http://img43.exs.cx/img43/1511/vv3.jpg

There are some older renderings but they show the whole place better:
http://img82.exs.cx/img82/3991/Picture20.jpg

http://img82.exs.cx/img82/7069/Picture21.jpg

[Gatis]

17 floors? But looks more.
A bit weird idea to put the building over the street while there is space next the street. But people do many things to make the life more interesting. Only it is a pitty that they did not choose more extraordinary design for such unusual location.

He :) another idea? How it is possible to buy land plot over the street for construction? Am sure that many of our developers would be interested in this trick :)

[Geex]

17 floors? But looks more.
A bit weird idea to put the building over the street while there is space next the street. But people do many things to make the life more interesting. Only it is a pitty that they did not choose more extraordinary design for such unusual location.

He :) another idea? How it is possible to buy land plot over the street for construction? Am sure that many of our developers would be interested in this trick :)

Well we all know how Lithuanian companies work's they just accidentally ads few more floors.. so we can expect more then 17 floors.. :)

BTW that empty land near tunel was rent for some other company they wanted to build hotel there with conferense center and so on..

[Geex]

Well strange that^ project is in Vilniaus Vartai render, some misty building next to Vilniaus vartais:

http://img60.exs.cx/img60/5419/Picture1066.jpg

[Edd]

He :) another idea? How it is possible to buy land plot over the street for construction? Am sure that many of our developers would be interested in this trick :)
:) Everything happened something like this: There was a need to renew the tunnel so municipality decided to attract some private investments. By allowing to build an extension of the tunnel and something above it municipality made the project attractive for private investors. Btw this is not a new idea - many other objects were built above this tunnel - national library, the hotel where parliament members live, etc.

[Edd]

@Geex: that "misty building" is a planned culture complex and next to it - artificial bay.

[Geex]

@Geex: that "misty building" is a planned culture complex and next to it - artificial bay.

Planned but dead? :(

[John]

17 floors? But looks more.
A bit weird idea to put the building over the street while there is space next the street. But people do many things to make the life more interesting. Only it is a pitty that they did not choose more extraordinary design for such unusual location.

In this rendering it definitely looks more than 17 floors (19 or maybe even 20) although somebody said that the height was decreased by 2 floors so now it becomes unclear whether this is the "decreased" version or the version which is being built.

Also the lower part officially will have 12 floors but in the rendering you may count at least 14 or 15 floors (appearantly they don't include the first 2 floors which will be a shopping center and count only the floors above it, how clever :D).
http://img43.exs.cx/img43/1511/vv3.jpg

[Edd]

Planned but dead? :(
Not dead yet ;). Culture complex will be built for sure (80% sure ;)) but it is not 100% clear in which place of Vilnius. It seems that municipality prefers this place over other ones.

[Geex]

Maybe you have any more info? Renders + construction company.. ? :)

[Geex]

BTW is this future construction site of BCC2?

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/511/IMG_6526.jpg

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/4015/IMG_6519.jpg

[Edd]

Maybe you have any more info? Renders + construction company.. ? :)
The exact design is not clear yet. Actually not much is clear at all. It's only clear that culture complex will be built :).
Some articles (in Lithuanian):
http://whatson.delfi.lt/archive/article.php?id=4103420&categoryID=427702&ndate=1081509955
http://www.delfi.lt/archive/article.php?id=4484463&categoryID=7&ndate=1086623984
http://www.vilnius.lt/new/vadovybe.php?open=4&id=2874
http://www.vilnius.lt/new/vadovybe.php?open=4&id=2703

That culture complex is also seen in the models of Vilnius.

[Mantas]

^^^ Thanks Geex, seems like they are going to start the construction. Great! :)

[Geex]

^^^ Thanks Geex, seems like they are going to start the construction. Great! :)

Well i just looked at the render and this is just the place where BCC2 should stand! And construction end allready set in their website, so i think we have one more U/C area :banana2: :colgate:

[Geex]

Another little update:

A lot of new commies is U/C:
http://img63.exs.cx/img63/4194/IMG_6530.jpg

And do anybody have pics of this tower (it looks 20+ floors)?:
http://img63.exs.cx/img63/9967/IMG_6529.jpg

[sdes]

There is so much going on in Vilnius, many nice looking towers.
I definitely have to visit there sometime. Maybe next summer. :)

[Geex]

sdes i hope you will visit and will like our little city :)

BTW i found that tower in pic below:

http://www.svg.lt/pics/big/zirg/fasad2.jpg

http://www.svg.lt/pics/big/zirg/fasad3.jpg

http://www.svg.lt/pics/big/zirg/fasad1.jpg

22 floors total, nothing special, but i like it :)

[Mantas]

Another little update:

A lot of new commies is U/C:



That area is called "Siaures miestelis" [The North Town]. It's a completely new district of modernblocks. You can find more detailed pics
HERE (http://tinkle.miestai.net/viewtopic.php?t=663)



And do anybody have pics of this tower (it looks 20+ floors)?:
http://img63.exs.cx/img63/9967/IMG_6529.jpg

It's called Zirgo apartements and it's actual height is 20 floors ;)

[John]

One of today's articles in 'Lietuvos Rytas' newspaper is tiled "Konstitucijos Avenue will be built up by skyscrapers".

In a land plot next to Forum Palace the investors are going to build 3 "skyscrapers" and invest ~Eur45 million. Currently they are demolishing some old huts in the place.

Although it's yet unknown if the municipality would allow to build tall building in the location because earlier there were no plans to build high-rise buildingsin that area. Although since land prices became very high in the recent years, so it's likely that plans of the municipality will be changed and high-rises will be allowed.

Although now nothing is known about what buildings are planned and how high they might be, all is said that they are going to be "skyscrapers" (I hope not some 12 or 13 storey ones ;)). We'll see.

Location on the map (top left corner)
http://img58.exs.cx/img58/8493/Image602.jpg

current view of the place, demolition works are underway
http://img66.exs.cx/img66/1135/IMG_7252.jpg

location seen from Castle Hill
http://img67.exs.cx/img67/8909/12392.jpg

[ch1le]

cool :) 3 more!

[Mantas]

"I love you" :D

[Monkey]

There is so much going on in Vilnius, many nice looking towers.
I definitely have to visit there sometime. Maybe next summer. :)

Ever since I joined this forum, sdes, Vilnius has been developing at an amazing pace. :eek: Thanks to the thorough construction documentation of several worthy LT forumers, I've "watched" several Tall Ones rise. :)

If you can swing it, I'd say make Vilnius a destination! I had a fabulous time there last summer and enjoyed the city tremendously. :cool: Plus, there is a whole lot so see apart from the towers. ;)

[Geex]

Here is little update:

New construction in Siaures miestelis district:

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/8356/IMG_6533.jpg

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/3897/IMG_6534.jpg
Thats how most of Siaures miesteles looked just a 4 - 6 years ago (those are buildings of old soviet military base). They will demolish them soon :)
http://img132.exs.cx/img132/7452/IMG_6535.jpg

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/1410/IMG_6536.jpg

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/6258/IMG_6538.jpg
Some of works are allready finished :)
http://img132.exs.cx/img132/3035/IMG_6539.jpg
But wey still building something;)
http://img132.exs.cx/img132/6290/IMG_6541.jpg

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/2765/IMG_6542.jpg

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/6647/IMG_6543.jpg

And construction site, they want to build 3 new skyscrapers here, bad thing is we still don't know how high they will be :(:

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/9694/IMG_6545.jpg

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/8103/IMG_6546.jpg

Due to low battery that's all :)

[ch1le]

oh man, vilnius is booming with apartment blocks!

[John]

hehe I like the last pic, interesting angle :)

@ch1le

yah, there are lots of new apartments U/C in Vilnius, I have numbers somewhere which compare activity of construction of new apartments in Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn, I'll post it later in this thread.

[ch1le]

yea cool :), tallinn isnt really building alot of new Aparments... although soon, when the coastal area plan get going at full pace - expect 20-30 cranes :)then well get loads of new apts...atm only new mby 2 family houses and single houses are built..

[Edd]

This rendering is wrong:
http://img67.exs.cx/img67/8909/12392.jpg

From left to right: the first one will be the lowest, the second one will be a bit higher and the third one will be the highest. I wouldn't call them "skyscrapers" though :), the highest one I think will be not higher than ~15 floors and the lowest might be even lower than ~10 floors. But I'm not sure - in the "rendering" they look very low (lower than that "LG" commieblock) but maybe their location is a bit lower too.

[Geex]

From left to right: the first one will be the lowest, the second one will be a bit higher and the third one will be the highest. I wouldn't call them "skyscrapers" though :), the highest one I think will be not higher than ~15 floors and the lowest might be even lower than ~10 floors. But I'm not sure - in the "rendering" they look very low (lower than that "LG" commieblock) but maybe their location is a bit lower too.

Well developers said, that they want to build higher buildings, it's only according to city plan thay can't be higher than 15 floors. I think they will deal with city plan (pasėdės su ponu Zuoku prie bendro stalo ir išgers kavos su brendžiu ;)).

BTW net Marčiulionis davė intervių apie statybas šiame sklype, jis irgi mano, kad pastatai turėtų būti aukštesni ;) Jis legendinis krepšininkas, jis žino ką sako! :cheers:

Beje ar girdėjot kaip antakalnyje išdygo vienas šešiolikos aukštų commis vietoj dviejų aukštų? :)

[John]

@Edd
is kur sitai suzinojai? Noreciau pamatyti.

@Geex
apie koki cia kalbi Antakalnyje? Neteko nieko girdeti (nebent apie ta 20-auksti Zirgo g?)

[Geex]

@Geex
apie koki cia kalbi Antakalnyje? Neteko nieko girdeti (nebent apie ta 20-auksti Zirgo g?)

Ne tas žirgo gatvėje, tiesa gana senai girdėjau, bet istorija tikra ;) Kažkuris iš naujos statybos namų antakalnyje (jeigu atmintis nemeluoja tai tikrai 16aukštis) turi labai gražią pastatymo istoriją.. Vnz tame sklype pagal miesto planą buvo galima statyti 3 aukštų namą su palėpe, tai va firmos vadybininkai tame plane atrado skylutę, kadangi palėpės aukštis ir jos aukštų skaičius nebuvo ribojamas, tai jie pastatė 3 aukštų namą su 13 aukštų palėpe...

:cucumber: :cucumber:

[Geex]

BTW who knows which company will be building those new highrises near Forum Palace?

[Edd]

@Geex: I wasn't talking about city plan - according to architects who are designing that project the buildings will be low. And the investors were mentioned some time ago and if they didn't change then: the owners of "Forum palace" and also "Merko statyba".

Taigi patys architektai nieko ten labai auksto neplanuoja - prie straipsnio lryte pateiktoj vizualizacijoj pavaizduoti gana zemi pastatai mazdaug iki 15 aukstu. Bet siaip toj vietoj is viso leidziama statyti tik "visiskus groundilckerius" :), todel ir del siu gana neaukstu pastatu kyla problemos.

@John: Atidziai paziurek i paveiksleli salia straipsnio, jei jo dar neismetei ;).

[John]

@Edd

Jokio paveikslelio as neturiu, nes straipsni skaiciau online, kur nera paveiksleliu. Gal gali "nuskanuoti" ir imesti kur nors? :)

[PornStar]

Ne tas žirgo gatvėje, tiesa gana senai girdėjau, bet istorija tikra ;) Kažkuris iš naujos statybos namų antakalnyje (jeigu atmintis nemeluoja tai tikrai 16aukštis) turi labai gražią pastatymo istoriją.. Vnz tame sklype pagal miesto planą buvo galima statyti 3 aukštų namą su palėpe, tai va firmos vadybininkai tame plane atrado skylutę, kadangi palėpės aukštis ir jos aukštų skaičius nebuvo ribojamas, tai jie pastatė 3 aukštų namą su 13 aukštų palėpe...

:cucumber: :cucumber:

:rofl:
Ne nu lietuviai kaip visada drasus ir isradingi :okay:
Nesu tikras koks to namo likimas buvo Vilniuje, bet as net neabejojiu, kad cia Paryziuje/Prancuzijoje ji tikrai nugriautu :yes:

[John]

Ar ne apie sita nama kalba eina?
http://www.constructus.lt/pic/Nuotraukos/landmark1.jpg

[Geex]

@John tikrai nežinau :)

Beje aš apie tą projektą prie Forum Palace skaičiau šeštadienio LR Sostinėje, ten buvo visas puslapis skirtas šiam projektui, kažkoks architektas (pagal įdėją tų naujų pastatų) teigė, kad investuotojai pasiruoše investuoti 150 mln. Litų, tačiau tik tuo atvejų jeigu savivaldybė leis jiems statyti dangoraižius. Tiesa dangoraižiais kai kas pas mus vadina ir 15 aukštų pastatus, todėl visko gali būti, kad Edd teisus (tikėkimės, kad ne ;))

O šiaip tai ten pagal miesto planą leidžiama statyti 3-4 aukštų pastatus.. Beje dar tas architektas teigė, kad naujieji statiniai derės prie dabartinio Vilniaus skyline :)

Kiek yra patirties su Lietuvos staybų bendrovėmis, tai galima numanyti, kad pastatai iš 15 aukštų gali pasidaryti ir 20+ aukštų.. ;)

[Edd]

@Geex: ten is viso turbut bus tik vienas ~15-aukstis, o kiti zemesni. Zemiausias gal net zemesnis uz ~10 aukstu. Bent jau man toks susidare ispudis, del tos vizualizacijos. Tuoj as ja idesiu.

[Geex]

...

[John]

Straipsnis yra lietuviskame forume, bet reikia foto! :D

[Geex]

Sorry, galvojau straipsnio nėra internete

[Edd]

Kaip visada sorry uz kokybe (visi pastatai pazymeti balta spalva ir visi jie atrodo zemesni uz zalia hanneri):
http://img72.exs.cx/img72/4522/skyline5.jpg

Po paveiksleliu parasyta: "Architekto G. Čaikausko siūloma pastatų dešiniajame Neries krante vizija neturėtų užgožti žaliųjų Vilniaus kalvų." "Projektuotojų fotomontažas"

[Edd]

@Geex: Vadinasi tu irgi matei vizualizacija, nes ji ideta prie straipsnio, tik gal neatkreipei demesio, nes nelabai aiskiai matosi tie balti stulpeliai.

[Geex]

Jo dabar žiūrių į foto, pagal viska naujo projekto plotas bus nuo Forum Palace iki Nacionalinės galerijos, aš kažkaip galvojau, kad jie išdygs vienas šalia kito.

[Vaidas]

Šiandieninį LR kas nors skaitė?
"Būste" labai geras straipsnis apie žvėryno bendruomenę ir panašius š
Taip pat nemažas straipsnis apie Saulės Akmens

Jei ką, galiu nuskanuot ;)

[John]

Vaidai, butu gerai, kad nuskanuotum, tik dek i LT foruma, nes cia jau pernelyg isipleteme su savo lietuviskomis diskusijomis :D

[Gatis]

nes cia jau pernelyg isipleteme su savo lietuviskomis diskusijomis
Exactly ;)

[blimey]

I dont like those new white towers. They look like commieblocks.

[Geex]

Well this is only some sort of render where they will stand, i don't think they will be white.

[John]

I hardly can see anything there at all, just an idea that "something" is going to be seen there.
We have to wait and see more detailed renders.

[Edd]

Grand Duke Palace is getting nice neighbour?:
http://img77.exs.cx/img77/5788/IMG_7259.jpg

http://img85.exs.cx/img85/3019/Untitled-252.jpg

[Edd]

I made a "rendering", proportions and the quality are not very good though :D:
http://img41.exs.cx/img41/5852/gedav.jpg

[John]

Wow I somehow didn't realize these are two separate buildings, it seems there will be TWO newly restored fancy buildings next to each other. Gediminas Avenue is becoming something really nice.

[Geex]

It's first time i see "Red 2" company, some new players around here, still this building needed reconstruction ;)

And "supaprastintas atviras konkursas" sounds somehow funny :)

[blimey]

Yeah Gedo avenue is beginning to kick some serious ass :okay:

[Monkey]

Wow I somehow didn't realize these are two separate buildings, it seems there will be TWO newly restored fancy buildings next to each other. Gediminas Avenue is becoming something really nice.

Yes! Gediminas will be spectacular! :cool: But, guys, it's time to do something about that Beneton fassade ... :bash:

[Kim André]

What's up with the secret Lithuanian talking? ;)

[Monkey]

Don't worry, Kim Andre -- you'll get used to it. :)

[Mantas]

What's up with the secret Lithuanian talking? ;)
Nothing much, just some usual and uninterested talking ;)

[Edd]

New five star hotel in Vilnius, in this building (photo by John):
http://img119.exs.cx/img119/4877/IMG_4.jpg

from www.vilniushotels.lt:
22.11.2004
Kempinski Hotels & Resorts, Europe's oldest luxury hotel group, has signed the management contract for a landmark hotel in Vilnius, endorsing the group's expansion strategy in major eastern European capital cities. A five-star luxury property, the hotel is to be situated in the centre of the city, near Gediminas Castle, with spectacular views of Vilnius’ main square, cathedral and bell tower. It will have 107 spacious bedrooms and suites equipped to the highest international standard. There will be meeting space, international restaurants, a business centre and a health club. The hotel is a beautiful historic building with neo-classical architecture. The 19th century façade will be preserved while the interior will be renovated to offer elegant facilities as yet unrivalled in Lithuania. There will be two extension wings built and the hotel will open during 2006. Kempinski Hotels & Resorts' prestigious portfolio comprises luxurious properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South America and Asia.
(standbynews.info)

[Mantas]

At least they will do something about this building :)

[John]

It was planned to open this hotel in early 2004 :|
Anyway it's a good news that this project is not dead.

[Monkey]

I'm glad to hear that, too. Thanks for the news, Edd! :happy:

I remember, John & I passed this building repeatedly during our walk of Vilnius in July, and we saw it from afar ... it's a prominent site. We were then wondering and speculating about the building's fate ... John told me about past plans. Glad to hear something is supposed to be happening, and I hope it will! :banana:

[PornStar]

http://img119.exs.cx/img119/4877/IMG_4.jpg
true, this is a perfect building/location for such a classy hotel! Hope they FINALLY do it. Furthermore, another major international hotel chain will come to Vilnius, which sure is always a good thing ;)

[Edd]

In the news today it was said that not only "Kempinski" is comming to Vilnius - another chain of hotels "Marriot" also plans to come to Vilnius. But it seems that not much is known yet about it.

[PornStar]

In the news today it was said that not only "Kempinski" is comming to Vilnius - another chain of hotels "Marriot" also plans to come to Vilnius. But it seems that not much is known yet about it.
:eek: impressive!!! The best city surely deserves the best hotels! :D

[Vaidas]

Today's SSC banner is nice :D

[blimey]

Yeah i like it too :D

[John]

In the news today it was said that not only "Kempinski" is comming to Vilnius - another chain of hotels "Marriot" also plans to come to Vilnius. But it seems that not much is known yet about it.

It's about time. Despite some fears that hotel market would become overfilled because of hotel "boom" las year it seems to be on the contrary :)
A while agot there were talks that the current Gra1nd Duke Palace was supposed to become a Marriott hotel but it didn't happen. I wish they build some new big highrise hotel :)

[OlekD]

Grand Duke palace will be great :eek2:

[John]

Grand Duke palace will be great :eek2:

Grand Duke Palace won't be a hotel, it'll be a multipurpose complex but nonetheless it's gonna be a great building :)

[John]

There is some more info about new Kempinski hotels, they're also opening a new hotel in Jurmala next year
http://www.kempinski.com/development/en/?l1=new_projects&category_id=86

Vilnius, Lithuania


Kempinski Hotel Vilnius (Opening End 2006)

DESCRIPTION
The Hotel is situated in the centre of the city, near Gedimanas Castle, with spectacular views of Vilnius’ main square, with its Cathedral and bell tower, an historic site where the President was inaugurated. The hotel also overlooks the President’s Office, Vilnius University and the Old Town. The landmarkt hotel is a beautiful historic building with neo-classical architecture. The 19th century façade will be preserved while the interior will be renovated to offer elegant facilities as yet unrivalled in Lithuania.

FACILITIES
It will have 107 spacious bedrooms and suites, equipped to the highest international standard. There will be meeting space, international restaurants, a business centre and a health club. There will be two extension wings built.

Btw, it seems these 2 Kempinski hotels in Jurama and Vilnius are going to be the first ones in our region, neither Baltic or Scandinavian country currently has a Kempinski hotel (at least no are listed at www.kempinski.com).

[Mantas]

Seems like Vyrokas has decided to create something different from the real project.

"Original" project
http://img.miestai.net/vyrokas.jpg

Today's update
http://img.miestai.net/IMGP6256.JPG

http://img.miestai.net/IMGP6257.JPG

http://img.miestai.net/IMGP6259.JPG

http://img.miestai.net/IMGP6260.JPG

http://img.miestai.net/IMGP6261.JPG

http://img.miestai.net/IMGP6262.JPG

[grendy]

What's that very tall looking building next to the construction yard? it's like 25 floors or something??

[Mantas]

You probably mean Europa apartments ;)

[grendy]

Is it? :D.. oh f*ck =). I'll blame the bad weather conditions on the picture for not recognising it :D

[Dr.Jackal]

Yeah,it seems,Vyrokas is going to be taller,than it was anounced...:D

[ch1le]

how.. i didnt see any differences!? how come taller, great news ofcourse, im envious as always but where do you see it will come taller?

[Mantas]

@ch1le

Can't you see? It should be straight, but now there's a "stair" ;)

http://img.miestai.net/vyrokas.jpg

http://img.miestai.net/IMGP6260.JPG

[Vaidas]

/\
It also "bends" in a very strange way :|

[Mantas]

Yeah, seems like "turning" or something

[ch1le]

aaah ofcourse... hmm :D lol im blind... but will it now just go up? How do you know it will be taller? mby they will just cut it there... The crance doesnt seem tall, will they make it taller?

[John]

"Vyrokas" company is... strange :|

[John]

Some new renderings of "Vilnius Gate" - the largest U/C project in Vilnius atm - scanned from architecture mag, not sure if these are the newest ones (the project was corrected for about a dozen of times!). Oficially the tower above the tunnel will have 17 floors but in the renderings I can count at least 20 floors so the height remains unclear...

http://img49.exs.cx/img49/6413/c0-Untitled-1.jpg


http://img132.exs.cx/img132/3344/42-Untitled-2.jpg

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/8994/ae-Untitled-3.jpg

[Mantas]

Yeah, just another ordinary time "updated" :)

[John]

IMO this is the best one so far :)

[Gatis]

Some guys (developers) need more discipline. And renderings are so so... But having 20 floors instead of 17 is something. For me 20 floors is some strange barrier making "real highrise".

[PornStar]

http://img132.exs.cx/img132/8994/ae-Untitled-3.jpg
oh wow, I think this looks fantastic! I love the inclined building/façade idea, plus this project is HUUUGE! I also like the idea of having a building over a tunnel.
Btw, how come I see 3 separate buildings in the ^^^ rendering? Is it 2 or 3 after all?

[Edd]

@PS: Three buildings but only two high-rises :).

[John]

Another good news is that according to the article the complex will expand in the future and a "prestige district" will form in the area. Although not sure if more highrises are going to be built there.

[Edd]

Fresh deconstruction update:
http://g.delfi.lt/images/pix/file5585885_gaisras.jpg

It is burning this moment.

[Gatis]

Yeah. Only bombing from old B-52's is missing now ;)

[Edd]

Btw the place where that building stands is suggested as one of the places where culture complex should be built. If it'll be damaged very much maybe culture complex building will be located instead it. That building is seen from many places in Vilnius because it is located at the top of Tauras hill.

[Kim André]

What building is this burning? How come everybody is so cool about it? Was it supposed to be demolished?

[Edd]

What building is this burning? How come everybody is so cool about it? Was it supposed to be demolished?
That photo which I posted before seems to be old. The fire is much bigger this time. The building was not supposed to be demolished. That building is a palace of trade union.

[blimey]

I like your avatar, Kim.
As for that building, it was ugly anyway.

[Edd]

It isn't beautiful but it isn't ugly too. There are much uglier new buildings in Vilnius and I hope that there will not be some new ugly building instead of this one. Some photo:
http://img83.exs.cx/img83/8867/46-vln1.jpg

[Kim André]

The building was not supposed to be demolished. That building is a palace of trade union.

Wow, shouldn't there be much more fuzz about this fire happening then? :uh:

I like your avatar, Kim.

Thanks, Blimey! You know, I've kind of fallen in love with Lithuania and Vilnius ;) As I've mentioned in another thread earlier, I'm going to write about Lithuanias process in joining the EU for my master's degree thesis the following year.

[blimey]

Have you been to Lithuania then?

[Kim André]

Nope, I haven't yet, but I really would like to go there when I can afford it. I'm also moving out of Norway in a couple of years, hopefully I can get a job in Lithuania.

[Edd]

Wow, shouldn't there be much more fuzz about this fire happening then? :uh:
There is big fuzz there :). There are many firemans in that place (that photo which I posted earlier is an old one and the fire is big this time).

[Edd]

Nope, I haven't yet, but I really would like to go there when I can afford it. I'm also moving out of Norway in a couple of years, hopefully I can get a job in Lithuania.
So how can you say that: "You know, I've kind of fallen in love with Lithuania and Vilnius". For example: maybe Vilnius is ugly and you will not like it? :) Some photo for you ;):
http://hem.passagen.se/alphaz2/vilnius.jpg

[blimey]

Wow, cool, although a change in standard of living might be a bit shocking to you.
In any case, i do know one Norwegian who lives in Vilnius. Not personally but i know who knows him really well. I know there's more :tongue3:

[Kim André]

So how can you say that: "You know, I've kind of fallen in love with Lithuania and Vilnius". For example: maybe Vilnius is ugly and you will not like it? :) Some photo for you ;):
http://hem.passagen.se/alphaz2/vilnius.jpg

Maybe I made an overstatement, but your country fascinates me :)

I can't see your "horror"-picture by the way ;)

edit: I checked it in another browser. So, what about this tower? :)

[Geex]

@Kim André it's really good you want to move to Lithuania, but getting job could be difficult, first of all you need to known Lithuanian to work here..

But good thing is that here in Lithuania a lot of companies is half Norway half Lithuanian so you might find job in those companies, but on other hand if you know English really good you might get job in other companies too, now main question is what is your profession?

[Monkey]

So how can you say that: "You know, I've kind of fallen in love with Lithuania and Vilnius". For example: maybe Vilnius is ugly and you will not like it? :)

One thing is certain: Vilnius most EMPHATICALLY is NOT ugly!

My dear Edd, I came to Vilnius last summer, the destination being based entirely on the photos of the city I had seen here in the S&B forum and the pleasant nature and enthusiasm of the Vilnius forumers for their home town. I was not disappointed. I loved Vilnius and enjoyed my brief stay immensely thanks to the kindness and generosity of its delightful forumers. :happy: I'm sorry I missed you, though. :(

So why shouldn't Kim Andre develop a feeling for Lithuania from a distance as well? :) I salute him for wanting to go & live in your country, and I hope his plans will bear fruition. :cool: If he doesn't like it for some reason, he can always go back home--at least he should leave that avenue open.

Are you studying up on your Lithuanian already, Kim Andre? :angel1:

[Edd]

@Kim André: That is a tv tower, I just wanted to scare you with an ugly side of Vilnius. :D
@WH: I agree, I just wanted to say that if Kim made his decision only from photos - everything might look different in real life (not necessary worse though :)).

[Geex]

@Kim André: That is a tv tower, I just wanted to scare you with an ugly side of Vilnius. :D
@WH: I agree, I just wanted to say that if Kim made his decision only from photos - everything might look different in real life (not necessary worse though :)).

I don't think out TV tower is so ugly :)

[Edd]

@Geex: Maybe it is not so ugly but commieblocks are (hope someone is not reading this ;)).

[Geex]

@Geex: Maybe it is not so ugly but commieblocks are (hope someone is not reading this ;)).

OH yes they are, but still not in all districts.. commies in Fabijoniskes, Seskine, Pilaite and so on is average.. i think.

BTW does anyone heard anything about commies restorations plans recently?
Last news i heard was that restoration will start in spring.

[Edd]

@Geex: The first commieblock in Zirmunai is already being renovated. It'll be as an experiment and then many more commieblocks will be renovated.
There will be three stages:
1 stage (2005-2009)
Zirmunai
Antakalnis
Naujamiestis
Naujininkai
Vilkpede
Lazdynai
Snipiskes

2 stage (2010-2015)
Grigiskes
Karoliniskes
Virsuliskes
N. Vilnia
Seskine
Zverynas
Paneriai
Rasos

3 stage (2016-2020)
Verkiai
Justiniskes
Pasilaiciai
Fabijoniskes
Pilaite

[_keen_]

Lot of damage from that fire :/ . It was probably an arson.

[Gatis]

Initially I really thought that it is a kind of joke. Sad that the fire was real and damaging.