“Draugu nams” – a symbol of Cēsis space-time
Yesterday, in the “Konrāda kvartāls” of Cēsis, a time capsule was laid in the foundations of the future “Draugu nams” in a short, informal ceremony. The building will be located between the “Mācītāja māja” and the “Konrāda nams”. Construction work at this location had to be paused because archaeological research at the site revealed a unique, rich cultural layer, including fragments of the 14th-century Cēsis House.
As we have already informed, more than three years ago, the technology company “Draugiem Group” announced its intention to focus on building houses in Cēsis. Last year, the “Spīdalas nams” on Liela Katrīnas Street, renovated with respect for the environment and cultural and historical heritage, and “Žagaru māja” on the banks of the Gauja River opened their doors. Construction and restoration works continue in the Konrāda quarter in the old town of Cēsis, and, as promised by “Draugiem Group” spokesperson Jānis Palkavnieks, the construction works will be completed already in the autumn of this year.
The time capsule contains the newspaper “Druva” and the municipal publication “Cēsu Novada Vēstis”, a photo of the foundations of a 14th-century building uncovered by archaeologists, as well as short messages from the municipal government and project implementers to future generations. At the ceremony for the sealing of the capsule, the chairman of the municipal council, Jānis Rozenbergs, emphasized that the work of “Draugiem Group” in restoring historical buildings in the old town is very significant.
As we have already informed, more than three years ago, the technology company “Draugiem Group” announced its intention to focus on building houses in Cēsis. Last year, the “Spīdalas nams” on Liela Katrīnas Street, renovated with respect for the environment and cultural and historical heritage, and “Žagaru māja” on the banks of the Gauja River opened their doors. Construction and restoration works continue in the Konrāda quarter in the old town of Cēsis, and, as promised by “Draugiem Group” spokesperson Jānis Palkavnieks, the construction works will be completed already in the autumn of this year.
The time capsule contains the newspaper “Druva” and the municipal publication “Cēsu Novada Vēstis”, a photo of the foundations of a 14th-century building uncovered by archaeologists, as well as short messages from the municipal government and project implementers to future generations. At the ceremony for the sealing of the capsule, the chairman of the municipal council, Jānis Rozenbergs, emphasized that the work of “Draugiem Group” in restoring historical buildings in the old town is very significant.
This sets an example and creates traction for other investors to follow suit.
“The year of “Cēsis - the Cultural Capital of Latvia” has begun, and all our actions or inactions today will shape the future of our city and region. May there always be a friendly atmosphere in the future “Draugu nams”,” wished the chairman of the city council.
In turn, the message of the co-owner of “Draugiem Group”, Agris Tamanis, a Cēsis resident, was short and concise – may the Russian barbarians never come again and destroy everything again! Architect, developer of the Priest’s house renovation project Pēteris Blūms admitted that the volume of the future “Draugu nams” is an extremely capacious symbol of the imprints of centuries. “In the place where the foundations of the 14th-century house have been uncovered, a 21st-century building will stand. This is the true Cēsis space,” the architect emphasized.
Yesterday, a time capsule was buried in the foundation of the “Draugu nams”, but today, January 17, construction of the building's foundation has already begun.
“The year of “Cēsis - the Cultural Capital of Latvia” has begun, and all our actions or inactions today will shape the future of our city and region. May there always be a friendly atmosphere in the future “Draugu nams”,” wished the chairman of the city council.
In turn, the message of the co-owner of “Draugiem Group”, Agris Tamanis, a Cēsis resident, was short and concise – may the Russian barbarians never come again and destroy everything again! Architect, developer of the Priest’s house renovation project Pēteris Blūms admitted that the volume of the future “Draugu nams” is an extremely capacious symbol of the imprints of centuries. “In the place where the foundations of the 14th-century house have been uncovered, a 21st-century building will stand. This is the true Cēsis space,” the architect emphasized.
Yesterday, a time capsule was buried in the foundation of the “Draugu nams”, but today, January 17, construction of the building's foundation has already begun.
A MESSENGER FOR THE FUTURE. A time capsule with messages for future generations was laid at the foundation of the “Draugu nams” by Andis Malahovskis, head of the “Draugiem Group” company “Mājas Cēsīs” (from right), Jānis Rozenbergs, chairman of the Cēsis County Council, archaeologist Laura Lēģere, architect Pēteris Blūms, Jānis Palkavnieks, spokesperson for “Draugiem Group”, and Viktors Ītvinovs, builder of SIA “VIM”.
Photo: Aleksis Kļaviņš
Photo: Aleksis Kļaviņš
Published17/01/2025
Andris Vanadziņš
