Photo: Gintaras Sernius

From historical building to luxury hotel 

A preservation-worthy building in Vilnius's Old Town will be refurbished as a five-star luxury hotel called AAA Kempinski Hotel Vilnius. COWI Baltic, with assistance from COWI, is participating in the restoration and extension of the building.
Cultural heritage preservation institutions will be involved when a historical property in Vilnius's Old Town is being rebuilt to the city's first five and more stars category of luxury hotels. COWI Baltic is participating in the project as a representative and consultant of the project developer, Lithuanian AAA Mano Liza.

Before the planned opening in 2007, the building will undergo a major restoration and extension: the 19th century façade will be preserved while the interior will be renovated and two new wings will be built. In addition, some of Vilnius's old defense walls will be integrated into the hotel's public spaces - the walls were found during excavations on the site.

"The project requires specific knowledge in the field of structural, mechanical and electrical solutions, which is one of the challenges we are used to. Working with the COWI engineers as sparring partners makes it much easier finding the right technical solutions for specific problems. This is one of the reasons why the client has chosen us," says Saulius Mikaliūnas, COWI Baltic, Head of the Building and Operation Department.
Photo: Gintaras Sernius


Thorough restoration

The original purpose of the old building will be restored − in the beginning of the 20th century it was a hotel. During the Soviet period, the building was adapted to the needs of the Central Telegraph authority. The renovations done at that time were unfortunately not in accordance with the requirements of cultural heritage protection.

In the forthcoming restoration and extension of the historical building, the current owners will actively cooperate with heritage preservation institutions.

"We will use all our experience and skills in this project, while assuming our responsibility to beautify the Old Town, nurture the architectural values that lie at its heart," says Dr. Virgaudas Juocevicius, Managing Director and Chairman of the Board of Constructus, the General Contractor of the Project, according to a press release.

Luxury facilities

Behind the project is Kempinski, Europe's oldest luxury hotel chain. The hotel will be the first in Lithuania to offer presidential suites and the first hotel in the capital to fully satisfy the protocol and security requirements essential for welcoming foreign heads of state.

The hotel will have 110 rooms, a conference centre, a modern spa, and health complex as well as restaurant and banqueting facilities. The interior of the hotel is being designed by the Swedish-based company, Living Design, which has created interiors for some of the other Kempinski hotels.

By: Line Steenberg, jaje@cowi.com
Published: 23.01.2005


COWI Baltic and COWI's services 
Verification of due diligence made by others, preparation of the client’s brief using standards and requirements presented by the operator.

Assistance to the client in establishing an agreement with the general contractor. Consulting services and
representation of the client during tendering between the general contractor and subcontractors.

Conceptual design of building engineering installations.

Supervision of design activities.

Supervision of construction, quantity control and checking of invoices prepared by the general contractor.

Assistance to the client in project coordination and project time schedule control.

Commissioning.