Yrjö-Koskinen family invests millions in restoring historical properties across Finland

Millions of euros are flowing as the family-owned Yrjö-Koskinen company acquires valuable real estate from the state, municipalities, or congregations. The properties are exquisite, such as the barracks in Hämeenlinna or the recent acquisition at Oulu’s Lossikuja 6, known as Theodorin Park building. The aim is to restore as much of the old structure as possible or to prefer used materials to replace what cannot be saved. Petri and Tuomas Yrjö-Koskinen are dedicated to preserving building culture, saving historical structures, enhancing urban landscapes, and promoting ecological values. They emphasize the importance of respecting nature and the planet.

In the past 15 years, Petri Yrjö-Koskinen has acquired over 100,000 square meters of various buildings. When asked how to make the restoration of old buildings financially viable, he notes that it is a passion project aimed at long-term sustainability, where profits are not the primary focus. Their operations rely on good cash flow and tenant care, keeping costs low to benefit renters.

Professor Satu Huuhka from Tampere University remarks that the Yrjö-Koskinen approach is unusual, especially amidst Finland’s increasing enthusiasm for demolition. She asserts that studies indicate restoration is almost always more environmentally friendly. Huuhka further stresses that Finnish towns need to consider carbon footprints in urban planning rather than making ideological decisions about new constructions.

The Yrjö-Koskinen firm avoids over-restoration, valuing the natural wear that comes with time. They carefully select quality recycled materials for their projects. With future acquisitions planned, the company’s success hinges on location, intuition, and a sense of atmosphere, as they strive to enliven historic buildings and their stories.