Time capsule laid in foundations of new “Miita” residential quarter in Jelgava

On 15 October 2026, a capsule containing a message to future generations and good wishes to residents was walled into the foundations of the first building of the new “Miita” residential quarter in Jelgava, Latvia. The quarter is being developed by a Latvian-owned company, which plans to invest €30 million in its construction, Vidzeme Television reported.

What the project involves

The plan is to build five six-storey buildings with 250 apartments of the A+ energy efficiency class. The courtyards are to be landscaped and will include a barbecue area. The name draws on Mitau, the historic name of Jelgava. It is described as the first modern residential quarter outside Riga. Most apartment buildings in the city are a legacy of the Soviet era.

Construction solutions

When the project was approved, the requirement to build shelters was not yet in force. Because of the groundwater level in Jelgava, the buildings will have no basements; a storage room will be located on the ground floor instead. Andris Bišmeistars, a board member of the company Angern Bau, said the first-floor level will be at least two metres above the groundwater and will be raised a further metre. He also noted that the buildings are designed so that if part of one is damaged, the rest keeps its structural strength and people can evacuate.

Risk and potential

The developer admits the project carries risk, as Latvia's economic situation is currently not at its best. Even so, the company sees potential in Jelgava. Jānis Kārkliņš, a board member of Angern, said Riga is saturated and attention must turn to regional development, while attracting specialists requires a modern living environment. In his words, Jelgava is a growing city with developed industry, and the company's research found that 70% of output goes to export.