Helsinki city council protects historic wooden building from 1839 in Kruununhaka district

The City of Helsinki has taken steps to protect a rare wooden building from 1839 located in the Kruununhaka district. On Wednesday, the city council approved a zoning amendment that includes a protection decision for the site at North Shore 12. Hidden behind a heavy, locked iron gate, this wooden structure offers a unique glimpse into the capital’s history and is among the last remaining Empire-style wooden buildings in Helsinki.

City council member and historian Laura Kolbe noted that much of Helsinki’s historic wooden architecture has been lost as the city has grown over the past 200 years. Frequent fires in the region have also significantly reduced the wooden building stock. Although the North Shore wooden building has not previously been protected, city architects now regard it as architecturally and culturally valuable.

The building’s protection status, classified as sr-1, is the highest designation and safeguards the original structures, building components, and significant interior spaces. Renovations or alterations must preserve its character, and demolition is strictly prohibited.

The North Shore 12 property is owned by the family of the late film director and author Jörn Donner, who had a workspace in the building. Given the family’s deliberations about the property’s future, Kolbe expressed hope for greater public interest, including a potential open house to allow visitors to enjoy the courtyard.

Additionally, two other historically significant buildings on the property were also granted protection: a four-story Neo-Renaissance apartment building from 1889 and a two-story outbuilding from the early 20th century. Kolbe proposed the installation of a commemorative plaque for Jörn Donner during the city council meeting.