Today on the 30th of September, 2013, the state joint stock company, “Valsts nekustamie īpašumi” [State Immovable Properties] is ready to hand over for use to the President’s Chancellery the newly remodelled and restored property at Elizabetes iela 17-3 in Rīga.
The remodel was completed within budget and to high quality standards.
During the course of reconstruction rooms were relocated. For instance, the kitchen and bathroom were relocated within the apartment. The heating system was updated including a new boiler, and a new security system, wiring, and plumbing were installed while at the same time avoiding any unnecessary expenses.
Additionally, two historic wood burning stoves, the living room wooden floors and ceiling mouldings and were restored.
The project was complicated by defects revealed during reconstruction, such as an unstable wall only uncovered after removing a Soviet-era fireplace. The wall had to be stabilized.
The floor covering was also partially stabilized and gaps were repaired.
The total cost of the reconstruction and restoration of the property was 77,600 LVL, a sum three thousand lats less than at first estimated. SIA "NEWCOM Construction" won the bid for the project in a public tender.
It is worthwhile to add that the initial budget for the reconstruction and restoration of the apartment was 80,900 LVL.
The use of a state apartment by a former president is legislated by the law, "On Ensuring the Activities of the President."