Tondi Barracks’ final chapter: A 2028 revival for Tallinn’s historic gem
The historic Tondi Barracks complex in Tallinn is nearing the final phase of its long-running renovation. Nordecon AS, under the brand Scandium, has acquired the last unrenovated building and plans to restore it by 2028. The project marks the end of a decades-long effort to revive the heritage-listed military school site.
Renovation work on the Tondi Barracks complex has been underway since the late 1990s. Businessman Urmas Sõõrumaa first became involved in 1998 and has since overseen major investments across the site. Most of the buildings have already been converted for residential and commercial use.
The final barracks building, however, remains in poor condition. Its interior is heavily deteriorated, and the renovation process is still in the design stage. Scandium, which now owns the structure, expects work to begin in 2026. The company has suggested possible uses for the space, including a café, restaurant, or even a swimming club.
Sõõrumaa recently sold the property to Scandium, citing lessons learned from earlier projects. Despite this sale, he still retains ownership of three other units within the complex. The entire site remains under heritage protection, ensuring that any changes respect its historical significance.
The final renovation will take years to complete, with a target finish date of 2028. Once finished, the building will join the rest of the complex as a functional part of Tallinn’s urban space. The project aims to preserve the site’s heritage while adding modern value to the area.
