The first homes are nearing completion in the Nihdi area, which offers ocean views and excellent transportation links in various directions.
Construction in the Kalasatama area progressed rapidly in 2023, and work will continue in 2024, when the new residential area in Nihti will be completed. Construction in the Nihti area has been underway since June 2022. Three residential buildings will be completed in Nihti before the end of this year. The residential area is expected to be fully completed by the end of the 2020s.
“Construction in the Nihti area will complete the southern part of Kalasatama and open up a new dimension to maritime Helsinki,” says Miikka Hakari, project manager for the Kalasatama area at the City of Helsinki Executive Office.
Located in a unique setting
The developers of the new residential buildings in Nihdi include YIT and A-Kruunu Oy. YIT and A-Kruunu Oy’s proposal, named “Luoto,” won the architectural competition organized by the City of Helsinki in 2020.
The design of the apartments takes into account the area’s exceptional location and maritime scenery. “The projects have focused on providing high-quality homes for future residents,” says Kati Pesonen-Hellsten, Project Manager for the Nihdi area at YIT.
The Lukki block, located at the southernmost tip of the area, includes a variety of housing types: owner-occupied, Hitas, and ARA apartments. YIT’s projects nearing completion include Nihdin Kulma, Nihdin Portti and Nihdin Torni, which will be completed between February and September 2024. Two of YIT’s buildings consist of owner-occupied apartments, and the third is a Hitas project.
The proximity to the sea characterizes the Nihdi projects in many ways. “Nihdi offers unique ocean views, especially from the windows of Torni and Portti, since there are no tall buildings blocking the view,” Pesonen-Hellsten notes.
On the other hand, the proximity to the sea has also posed challenges for construction in the area due to occasionally harsh weather conditions. “Overall, construction in the area has gone very well, and cooperation with other local stakeholders has been exemplary,” Pesonen-Hellsten explains.
Nihti offers good transportation connections and services as a region
Transportation connections from the area in various directions are diverse. The new tram line from Kalasatama to Pasila will begin test runs in the spring of 2024, and service is scheduled to begin this fall. The Merihaansilta Bridge, which will connect Nihti to Merihaka in the future, is set to be completed in 2025 as planned. The Isoisänsilta Bridge currently connects Nihti to Mustikkamaa, and the Finkensilta Bridge will lead to Korkeasaari upon completion. In addition, the area has good pedestrian and bicycle paths and a bus connection to Kalasatama.
“The development of the Nihti area will complete the southern part of Kalasatama and open up a new dimension to maritime Helsinki.”
— Miikka Hakari, Project Manager for the Kalasatama area, City of Helsinki Executive Office
A total of ten residential blocks, a hotel block, restaurant blocks, and two waterfront blocks for commercial, office, or restaurant ships and a small boat harbor are planned for Nihdi. Facilities suitable for recreation and outdoor activities will be located along the shores. Several small commercial spaces will be located within the blocks. Options for establishing a restaurant cluster in the southern blocks and on the terraces of Tihtaalinpuisto Park are currently being explored. The future marina and adjacent hotel and commercial buildings will further enhance the area’s appeal.
Preliminary street construction in the area has focused particularly on the central and southern parts of Nihti, and this work will continue through 2027.The daycare center being built in Nihti is scheduled to open in early 2025.
Nihti residents also have access to a wide range of services —in addition to the nearby Redi shopping center and other services in Kalasatama, the range of service providers operating in the area will expand once the project is completed.
Read more about the area on the City of Helsinki website.