Tartu Old Town bar owners worried about upcoming residential development
A historic building at the corner of Gildi and Rüütli streets in Tartu's Old Town is being converted into 53 apartments, prompting local bar owners to fear future noise complaints and conflicts with new residents.
A building dating back to 1838 on the corner of Gildi and Rüütli streets in Tartu's Old Town — which has previously served as a broadcloth factory, a girls' school and a polyclinic — has stood empty for several years. It is now being redeveloped into office space and 53 apartments, mostly one- and two-room units.
Nearby bar owners are concerned about the future residents, fearing noise complaints and conflicts similar to the long-running dispute surrounding Genialistide Klubi, which the city of Tartu has been trying to resolve for a year and a half.
Kivi bar owner Karin Kiplok said Rüütli tänav is Tartu's main downtown street and the center of the city's nightlife, and questioned why short-term rental apartments are permitted there at all, given that problems are foreseeable and business owners end up having to resolve them at their own expense. Jaan Tover, who owns several bars in the area, said he shares the concern, arguing the city is not doing enough to prevent nightlife-related conflicts, leaving businesses to manage the fallout themselves.
Developer says location was considered
Kaarel Kiidron, managing partner at developer Livida, said the apartments are mostly smaller units likely to attract younger residents without children, who may be less bothered by noise. He added that construction will include careful window insulation and that no ventilation openings are planned in the walls.
While prospective buyers are informed about the lively atmosphere on Rüütli tänav, some current residents have run into unexpected issues. Resident Triin Varul said she experiences strong vibrations from music through her walls on weekends — a disturbance she had not anticipated, even though she had expected noise and crowds on the street.
Tartu Deputy Mayor Kertu Vuks said the city's vision is for the Old Town to accommodate both housing and nightlife venues, and that noise-related issues will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. She added that the city also wants to support bars in other neighborhoods, not just Rüütli tänav, but stressed that no bar will be forced to leave the street.
