Controversial Kolinportti service station reopens in Juuka with new owner and exhibition centre plans

The long-disputed Kolinportti service station in Juuka, eastern Finland, will reopen in June under new ownership, with plans to transform part of the site into an exhibition centre, reports Yle.

The station, known for its futuristic and postmodern architecture, will initially resume operations with fuel sales, electric vehicle charging, and food services. A major energy efficiency overhaul has been completed to ensure the site’s financial viability.

Later this year, the station will introduce a new exhibition centre aimed at attracting tourists. The first displays will focus on Finland’s 1917–1918 Civil War and the life of local strongman Juhani Lehikoinen. Negotiations are also underway to partially relocate exhibits from Juuka’s Stone Centre, operated by the Geological Survey of Finland.

Owner Jukka Suninen, who acquired the property from bankruptcy proceedings last November, confirmed that extensive renovations are taking place in May. The site’s asphalt surfaces will be resurfaced, and the heating system will be replaced—shifting from direct electric heating to a water-based radiator and air-source heat pump system.

“Energy upgrades were essential before any operations could begin,” Suninen said. “The old system made the building too costly to maintain.”

Built in 1992 along Highway 6, Kolinportti was designed by architects Olavi Koponen and Juhani Katainen. The site previously housed a grocery store, café-restaurant, and pharmacy. Suninen aims to revive at least the latter two functions, with tenant negotiations progressing once renovations are complete.

The station’s fate sparked public debate in late 2024 after its former owners sought demolition permits, citing structural deterioration. Opposition came from the Finnish Association of Architects, the North Karelia ELY Centre, the North Karelia Museum, and the regional council. Juuka municipality later protected the building through a new zoning plan.

Suninen dismissed demolition as a mistake: “This is a unique place with an excellent location. I’m confident in its future.”