Something I admire about any municipality is the ability to change an area from one of decay and disuse to vibrancy. Examples would be old factories, historical buildings and such. As I explore this incredible city, I see these sites all over, and each one is unique and interesting. Here is industrial Tallinn, the best repurposed areas that should definitely be on your radar.
Adaptive Reuse
What is it? It is transforming an area that was once used for industry, manufacturing or the like, into something fresh. These urban spaces often become dangerous and gritty parts of any big city. Rather than seeing that history torn down and having to discard old building materials, the space is rebuilt from the bones already in place. Areas of the city become full of life, places for people to spend time together and for tourists to visit.
Industrial architecture is preserved. Think old brick chimney stacks, huge warehouse spaces with high ceilings, train stations, factories and shipyards with their unique equipment. All of this is important to keep alive for future generations. Now let me show you some examples of what Tallinn has achieved.
Telliskivi Creative City
What was once the Baltic Railway Company factory, is now a creative and cultural hub full of businesses that support the local community. There are over 300 companies using this space. One of the newest is Fotografiska, an international museum network that features photographic art from around the world.
In addition to all of those companies are 30 shops, numerous restaurants, multiple galleries, event space and more. Telliskivi Creative City hosts nearly one thousand cultural events every year. It’s a tourist and local hotspot. The street art alone is what drew me the first time.
I walk around in a daze, in awe of being surrounded by so much talent, colour and pure fun. Come for a visit any time of day, there is always something to see and do, a café to enjoy a coffee, or an outdoor bar for a beverage.
Balti Jaama Turg
Not far away from Telliskivi is this once 1800’s limestone railway warehouse turned market. During the Soviet era it became a trading hub, the perfect place to sell goods, located right beside the railway. The post soviet era brought about a gritty and run down bazaar full of Russian antiques and inexpensive clothing.
In 2017 the original limestone building was completely transformed and the area exploded into a foodie’s dream location. Now this multi-level complex is filled with a floor of street food vendors and another of local Estonian craft makers. Outdoors under canopy is a fresh food market containing all of the local and seasonal produce available at any time of the year. The roof is even being used as an outdoor gym!
Pohjala tehas
I arrive on an overcast and rainy day, not knowing what to expect. It is a one hour walk from my Airbnb and located on the Kopli peninsula. What was once, during the Soviet era, a rubber factory, is now a cultural hub. Many of the industrial buildings are being preserved just as they are and the interior space utilized. Such an event is what drew me this day, to a flea market!
In two parts, inside a huge hangar like space are locals pulling in with their vehicles and selling any number of unique collectables and antiques from the backs of their cars.
Inside another building is a more traditional type flea market full of clothing, accessories, crafts and even a café. The vintage furniture and décor are such a vibe and the space now feels unique and fun.
Other parts of the factory were taken down to their bones and entirely new residential housing was created. The Pohjala Factory hosts multiple cultural events each year including exhibitions, performances and workshops. There are an abundance of small artists studio space and their galleries too. A brewery, restaurants and coffee shops complete the industrial space providing a fun and engaging place for locals and tourists to visit.
These are only three of the repurposed sites around beautiful Tallinn that have been transformed into popular and productive areas. Each one is unique, vibrant and an asset to the city. One of the biggest reasons I love Tallinn is its obvious efforts to create an environment for the residents that is clean, safe, healthy and engaging. As much as I travel around the world, this is actually a rarity and something to be noted and enjoyed.
