Necessary work has begun at the Corner House

State Real Estate indicates that the work plan, together with a request for an extension of the work deadline, will be submitted to the State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) by Friday, April 5.

The existing fire detection and alarm system was dismantled in the building, as well as the construction of a new system, the dismantling of fire water supply and equipment and the construction of a new system and pumping station, the dismantling of unused electrical installations, and the closing of leaking parts of fire protection structures.

Varna also indicated that during the work it is expected that the Latvian Occupation Museum located in the building will be able to continue its activities without interruption.

“Our goal is to ensure that the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia continues to operate without losing its essence and historical significance. To this end, urgent work began this week using financial resources, which will later be returned from the proceeds from the alienation of the building,” Varna said.

In parallel, the State Real Estate and the Museum of the Latvian Occupation will review the lease agreement for the museum premises to ensure that all premises necessary for the exhibitions and activities of the museum are identified and clearly provided for in the agreement. The lease agreement and entry in the Land Register for 30 years will guarantee the operation of the museum for the specified period, regardless of the status of the building.

Considering that 92% of the premises are not required for the performance of government functions, the “Corner House”, also known as “Teters House”, after the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers meeting on March 26, is preparing for alienation, and in parallel with this, the continuous operation of the Latvian Museum of Occupation is ensured.

The investment of significant company capital and public funds into the renovation of a building whose contents and future development opportunities are not clearly defined does not correspond to the responsible use of funds as defined by the law on preventing the waste of financial resources of state-owned enterprises. Until now, projects for the restoration or development of the “Corner House” have not been implemented, since the need for the object to ensure government functions has not been clearly defined, say representatives of the State Real Estate.

Representatives of the State Real Estate Agency also note that previously the “Corner House” was offered both for rent and for alienation – in 2019, an auction of rental rights was held, at which private tenants were offered the opportunity to rent the “Corner House” for 30 years. However, difficulties arose regarding ownership rights and the necessary investments in the reconstruction of the building, since, according to the law on the prevention of embezzlement of funds and property of public entities, the lease of real estate could not be concluded for a longer period. than 30 years old. According to potential investors, this period was considered too short. Therefore, in 2020, the State Real Estate decided to sell the “Corner House”, preserving space for the museum in it.

State Real Estate was founded in 1996, its sole owner is the Ministry of Finance.