Erottajankatu 2 Neo-Renaissance Building
- Helsinki
- 1891
The art nouveau building of Uudenmaankatu 5 is situated on the corner of Uudenmaankatu and Yrjönkatu, on the north side of the Dianapuisto park. The building boasts a rubble ground floor and elegantly formed recessed entrances that conceal fine copper-clad doors. The building was designed by architect Gustaf Adolf Lindberg in the office of Grahn-Hedman-Wasastjerna.
The insurance company Kaleva financed the construction of the art nouveau building. Uudenmaankatu 5 was initially planned to be used as a residential building, as was the neighbouring, Kaleva owned Erottajankatu 2. The construction of Uudenmaankatu 5 was completed in 1905.
Kaleva sold both buildings, Uudenmaankatu 5 and Erottajankatu 2 to the state in 1913. The apartments in both buildings have since then been used as offices. The neighbouring buildings have been joint together with corridors. In 1944, when Finnish National Board of Building housed the Uudenmaankatu 5 building, the attic was constructed as offices, and the original art nouveau towers of the building were altered into functionalist style top floor. The building was sold to real estate investment trust in 2015.
Source: Art Nouveau in Helsinki – Architectural guide (Helsinki City Museum)