Uus-Maakri Quarter Planning Creates Conditions for a Denser, More Functional Urban Environment
Developer
Maakri Holding
Location
Liivalaia 49 // 53 // Maakri 25
Building Height
130m
Strategic Partner
WHAT IF
In recent years, the heart of Tallinn has reached a phase where buildings previously heavily oriented towards retail need to find a new role. Changes in consumer behavior, the urbanization of services, and expectations regarding the quality of the urban environment have highlighted the need to reshape densely populated areas.
The Uus-Maakri quarter is one of the first where such principles are being applied through the reuse of an existing building and the addition of further development.
The Tallinn City Government has approved and sent to the City Council for confirmation the Uus-Maakri detailed plan, which allows for the division of the Liivalaia 49 // 53 // Maakri 25 property and the construction of two high-rise buildings of up to 37 stories (130 meters), along with a three-story underground section.
The transformation and further development of the existing commercial building, combined with the planned high-rises, create the prerequisites for the emergence of a diverse quarter closely integrated with the city. The detailed plan allows for development that supports existing functions and opens up new opportunities: modern workspaces and service areas, medical services, park areas, and pedestrian connection axes.
The development is led by Maakri Holding, whose real estate development team is working with WHAT IF to launch the next stages of the plan.
01
The Planned Solution
The future development is designed based on three principles:
1 ⎮ Connectivity
The new buildings create a clear connection with the axes of Viru Square, the Maakri quarter, and Narva Highway, supporting both movement and visibility.
2 ⎮ Functional Stratification
The high-rises support the coexistence of services, workspaces, and living spaces within the quarter, strengthening its round-the-clock usage.
3 ⎮ Strong Existing Core
The function of the current five-story building will be further developed by adding modern services and improving access.
The working versions of the planned development envisage a diverse volume distribution that balances services, offices, and functions supporting the urban environment. The goal is to support both daytime activity—work and services—and usage during evenings and weekends, including leisure and residential space.
The quarter’s spatial concept is based on the principle that density must be usable, not merely visible.
02
Medical Services as the First Step
The first significant change in the quarter was the complete transformation of the 5th floor of the Stockmann building.
The new health services floor is an important step in developing the city as a comprehensive service environment and improving access to high-quality primary and specialist medical care in the city center.
The solution was designed in close cooperation with medical partners, taking into account patient movement logic, workflows, and the interaction of functional zones.
The detailed plan for the Uus-Maakri quarter allows us to focus on adding value to the urban space and creating integrity throughout the entire quarter, alongside the building aimed at retail and services. The planned additional volume is primarily intended to support the existing building, where we have recently introduced a wide range of high-quality medical services in collaboration with Medicum and other partners. Upcoming investment plans for developing the existing building and bringing in new services are also in the works
Sten Pisang
representative of Maakri Holding
03
Focus on the User
The development of the quarter is based on the premise that every new square meter must strengthen the functionality of the area, not just increase floor space. New buildings, park areas, and services form a combination that creates value not only for tenants and clients but for the city as a whole.
We see that the plan creates an opportunity to turn the currently isolated volume into a logical part of the city center’s service network. Our desire is to develop a comprehensive, accessible, and modern urban space where high-quality services have a clear focus.
Sten Pisang
representative of Maakri Holding
In shaping the functional logic of the planning and development, the developer is supported by WHAT IF as a strategic partner with the goal of linking the development of the quarter with urban spatial, user-centric, and commercial objectives.
