Creative quarters in Latvia

The question of how to repurpose former industrial sites and other buildings that have outlived their original function is one of global relevance. Thankfully, the world abounds with inspiring examples where passionate individuals and communities have reimagined these spaces, breathing new life into once-neglected structures and restoring their significance. Latvia is no exception.

Across the country, numerous old buildings and urban quarters have been revitalized by people who recognize their untapped potential. In Riga, for instance, a former factory and ambulance depot has been transformed into the bustling Tallinn Street Quarter with bars, event venues, and creative studios. Outside the capital, in Kuldīga, a disused garage complex has been reinvented as the hip Kaļķu iela Quarter, now home to a brewery, restaurant, piano-maker’s workshop, and more. And these are just a few examples among many.

So, what inspires the people behind these transformations, and what makes such creative quarters in Latvia thrive? To explore these questions, we spoke with two representatives from two very distinct revitalized spaces in Latvia: Julianna’s Courtyard in Liepāja and the Lastādija Quarter in Riga.

A way of life

Anna Grabovska is the community curator of the Lastādija Quarter, a space established in 2015 by Free Riga — an NGO originally focused on the temporary use of vacant properties through partnerships with site owners.

“On one hand,” she explains, “it’s the cooperation with the property owner that gives us the confidence to truly invest in a space. When we know we have their support, it allows us to think bigger, to dedicate more finances and more energy, and to take creative risks. In contrast, projects where the relationship with the owner is less engaged or more uncertain tend to limit our motivation. It becomes too risky to invest deeply.”

But such collaboration alone isn’t enough. “Our model depends on people creating the space. The scale and condition of a building also play a role, especially since we work with places that have often stood empty for years. Each project requires a critical number of active participants to be sustainable—not just to cover operational costs like utilities and management, but also to physically maintain and improve the space through repairs, cleaning, and daily care.”

She adds, “After evaluating a site, we always begin with a trial phase, which is typically six months to a year. That’s how we assess whether the project has long-term potential. Sometimes, we realize it’s worth continuing; other times, we learn that it’s best to step away.” At Lastādija Quarter, residents are motivated precisely by the idea of co-creation, as well as factors such as lower rent, the diverse and welcoming nature of the community, and the possibilities that the site offers, from urban gardening to the zero-waste culture.

“In a way, working at a creative quarter is a way of life,” says Anna. “You must be ready to invest a lot of unpredictable time. Something is always happening, and you might need to be on the spot, ready to step in or act. It means giving up some of your weekday evenings and weekends to contribute to place-making and nurture the community.”

Tenants participate in creating the space

Zane Sauka is one of the co-owners of Julianna’s Courtyard — a former printing house, shoe factory, and sewing workshop in Liepāja. The project came together when the right people shared the same vision and energy to create something meaningful. They had the space, the professional expertise, and just enough funding to get started.

The courtyard has been in operation in its current format since 2016, and “much of the work is actually now done by the tenants themselves,” Zane explains. “They’re active in their daily lives, constantly creating and co-creating within the space.”

She’s especially proud that many of the tenants have been part of the courtyard since its early days. The Michelin-recommended Mo restaurant, for instance, joined while much of the area was still under construction. Others have visibly grown during their time there — like Sowa Stone, known for its handcrafted concrete lamps, and Drty Boards, a surf gear brand.

Both Julianna’s Courtyard and the Lastādija Quarter, along with many other creative quarters in Latvia, highlight the importance of healthy collaboration, passion, patience, belief, and trust when transforming a neglected space into a vibrant community hub.