Tartu bar owners fear conflicts as new residents move onto Rüütli Street
A building at the corner of Gildi and Rüütli streets in Tartu's old town is being converted into 53 apartments, and nearby bar owners worry about noise complaints. City officials say both housing and nightlife venues must coexist in the old town.
A building at the corner of Gildi and Rüütli streets in Tartu's old town, built in 1838 and once used as a cloth factory, a girls' school and a polyclinic, has stood empty for several years. It is now being redeveloped into 53 apartments — mostly one- and two-room units — along with office space.
Owners of nearby bars are concerned about the arrival of new neighbors, fearing noise complaints and disputes similar to those Tartu has been trying to resolve for about a year and a half regarding the Genialistid club. Karin Kiplok, owner of the bar Kivi, said Rüütli Street is Tartu's central nightlife hub, and questioned why guest apartments are allowed there at all, noting that past experience shows business owners end up handling such problems themselves, at their own expense and effort.
Jaan Tover, who owns several bars near the new apartments, also expressed concern, saying the city does not do enough to prevent problems linked to nightlife — leaving entrepreneurs on Rüütli Street to deal with any issues that arise on their own.
According to the developer, the building's location was taken into account during planning. Kaarel Kiidron, managing partner at Livida, said the apartments will be small and likely occupied by younger residents without children, who are expected to be less bothered by disturbances. He added that windows will be installed with particular care, and no ventilation openings will be built into the walls.
While prospective buyers are warned about the noisy environment on Rüütli Street, not everyone anticipates every possible issue. Resident Triin Varul said that on weekends she feels strong vibrations from music coming through the wall from a neighboring building — something she had not expected, even though she knew about the noise and crowds on the street.
Tartu deputy mayor Kertu Vuks said the city's position is that both housing and bars or cafés should be able to coexist in the old town. Any noise-related problems raised by new residents will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. At the same time, the city wants other locations besides Rüütli Street, such as neighborhood bars, to remain viable, though it is ultimately up to businesses to choose where they operate.
