Kajaani assumes financial burden for collapsed property tied to Aku Hirviniemi and Janne Kataja

The city of Kajaani has taken over a bankrupt property on Tehdaskatu Street, including its building and unpaid utility fees, with estimated cleanup and demolition costs reaching at least €250,000, Yle reports.

The property, owned by the now-insolvent real estate company Kajaanin Katajatalo, was part of the assets of production firm Hihhihhii, co-owned by comedian Aku Hirviniemi and musician Janne Kataja. Hihhihhii declared bankruptcy in April 2024, followed by its associated real estate companies in October of the same year.

Kajaani’s environmental technical board approved the takeover in late May, assuming responsibility for potential demolition and site clearance. The city will not pay for the property itself but will cover outstanding utility arrears totaling €2,730 plus accrued interest.

The building, formerly home to Tutun tupa—a community hub for local organizations—has been unheated since its heat exchanger failed last winter, leaving it in poor condition. The bankruptcy estate proposed the transfer to avoid abandoning the property, as its funds were insufficient for full insolvency proceedings.

City officials plan to apply for a demolition permit while assessing the building’s potential cultural or urban heritage value. If the bankruptcy is discharged, the real estate company would dissolve, leaving no legally responsible owner.