Torņakalns in the face of change: Is it a new Agenskalns?

The name Torņakalns (literally the “hill-of-tower”) most likely originates from a former watchtower located at the confluence of the Mārupīte River and the Daugava River. In the 17th century, with changes to the city’s fortification system, the tower lost its significance and was demolished. Over time, with changes to the flow of the Daugava and Mārupīte rivers, the location of the tower has been lost, but the neighborhood still bears its name.

The transformation of Torņakalns began at the end of the 19th century, when the construction of the railway attracted investments, labor, and population growth. The railway station became the gateway to Kurzeme and Zemgale, and its proximity made the area attractive for industrial development.

Torņakalns became home to several factories, such as Fīreke and Leitke, later known as Tekstiliāna. It is also worth mentioning the Lenta factory, whose former factory buildings marked Pārdaugava as an important center of the textile industry. These factories have ceased operations, but today their territories and buildings are undergoing impressive functional and visual changes.

The eastern part of Torņakalns became distinctly industrial, while the western part became the green refuge of Pārdaugava. Arkādija, which was created from a private plot of land, became one of the most beautiful parks in Riga. The park’s open air stage and restaurant became a meeting place where concerts, events, and theater performances took place. Meanwhile, the nearby Māras pond district with its summer cottages attracted wealthier city dwellers who were looking for peace and quiet and fresh air, just a stone’s throw from the city center. Unfortunately the open air amphitheater and restaurant has been lost in time.

Meanwhile, the nearby Māras pond district with its summer cottages attracted wealthier city dwellers who were looking for peace and quiet and fresh air, just a stone’s throw from the city center. Unfortunately the open air amphitheater and restaurant has been lost in time.

Development of public projects

As Torņakalns continues to develop as a transport hub, one of the most ambitious plans has been to relocate the bus station from the city center to Pārdaugava. Authors of this vision argue that it would reduce traffic congestion in central Riga and strengthen Torņakalns as a multimodal hub.

At the same time, Rīgas satiksme announced an architectural competition this year for the reconstruction of the 2nd trolleybus depot, with the aim of creating modern, energy-efficient buildings that would not only improve transport functionality but also the visual image of the area. Discussions within the framework of Rail Baltica are also underway regarding the modernization or possible relocation of Torņakalns station, but the future of this project is still unclear at this time.

The Academic Center of the University of Latvia is providing a major push for the transformation of Torņakalns. The Nature House and Science House have already been completed, and construction is continuing on the Writing House, which will become a center for the humanities and social sciences. Together with the technology, health, sports, and student accommodation buildings, the university complex is expected to strengthen Torņakalns as part of the so-called “knowledge mile” in Riga.

An important step in the healthcare sector is the reconstruction of Building 21 of the Children’s Clinical University Hospital. New, modern space solutions not only improve the quality of treatment, but also create a more aesthetically appealing and comfortable environment for patients and staff. In this way, the Children’s Hospital continues to strengthen its role as one of the driving forces in this neighborhood.

Overall, these projects show that Torņakalns is currently undergoing change. Private investors have also noticed this and have begun significant project development in this part of the city.

The Future of Torņakalns: Why This District Is Becoming the New Āgenskalns

Over the past five years, Torņakalns has shifted from being a quiet residential area into one of Riga’s most strategically attractive development zones. Several factors drive this transformation: a growing shortage of large, development-ready plots in Āgenskalns; proximity to the new University of Latvia Academic Centre; improving public transport connections; and increasing investor interest in brownfield redevelopment.

While Āgenskalns has long been the established “left-bank favourite,” its real estate market has become more mature and saturated. Torņakalns, by contrast, offers scale, flexibility, and competitive land-use potential—making it a natural next step for developers seeking to recreate the success story of Āgenskalns but with far more room to grow. Early signs already show rising demand: new residential projects reach €2,600–€3,300/m², and office space absorption is increasing as businesses look for alternatives to the centre and Pārdaugava’s legacy stock.

Lenta Kvartāls

Lenta Kvartāls is not just shaping Torņakalns — it is emerging as one of Riga’s most significant mixed-use developments of the decade. The project sits on a 2-hectare territory of the historic 1880 “Lenta” textile factory, combining industrial heritage, scale and contemporary planning principles in a way few new neighbourhoods in Riga currently offer. Its development concept includes ten restored heritage buildings and four new structures, built around three core strengths: unique architecture, functional diversity and long-term value creation.

Another key advantage is the land plot itself: a unified 2-hectare site that allows for coherent, phased development, rather than fragmented, plot-by-plot construction. Internal streets, landscaped courtyards, a Baltics-wide unique atrium, green connections and pedestrian-first mobility are designed as part of a single, integrated ecosystem — achieving a level of cohesion comparable to successful Baltic and Nordic redevelopment examples.

Lenta Kvartāls benefits from excellent accessibility — with direct connections to the city centre, the University of Latvia Academic Centre and the future multimodal transport system. As demand for modern housing and office space continues to grow, the project is positioned as one of the most important urban anchors on Riga’s left bank, offering stable long-term value for residents, businesses and investors, with reservations available already now.

Tekstiliana

Tekstiliana, located on Torņakalna iela, continues the district’s narrative of industrial-to-urban transformation. The project focuses on modern residential living, combining compact smart layouts with larger apartments that appeal to professionals and young families. Developers highlight the area’s growing walkability, proximity to educational institutions, and strong rental potential.

Hartmaņa Kvartāls Bonava

Hartmaņa Kvartāls by Bonava represents the Scandinavian-style development approach that Āgenskalns once relied on for its own revival. The project introduces new residential buildings with functional layouts and green inner courtyards—an increasingly important factor for buyers prioritising community, comfort, and clean design. Bonava’s presence in the district shows confidence in Torņakalns’ long-term growth curve.

Poezija by Kaamos

Poezija by Kaamos adds a different dimension to the area’s offer—focusing on higher-end living and strong architectural identity. The project is positioned as a more design-driven choice, with an emphasis on materials, detailing, and a distinct character that stands out in Torņakalns’ evolving urban fabric.

Poezija contributes to market diversification, attracting buyers who value aesthetics, lifestyle, and long-term investment potential. Its presence highlights a growing demographic shift: Torņakalns is becoming desirable not only for practical reasons but also for its emerging cultural and architectural appeal.