Kimmel Quarter
Current Situation
The current state has remained relatively unchanged since the early 20th century and stands today as a relatively unknown site in the center of Riga. Kimmel Quarters’ unique evolution of the building structures and basements since the 19th century has led to the current coexistence of brick and wooden buildings with different historical and functional origins and has been a source of great inspiration for us in creating the new Kimmel Quarters with a strong identity based on its rich history and cultural significance.
At the moment, majority of the buildings in Kimmel are empty, unused, in bad or extremely bad technical condition. However some of them are used as cafés and during the summertime attract many visitors, making the quarter inhabited and lively. Every week different day time festivals, night time parties and outdoor movie nights take place in Kimmel Quarter. Therefore, you can already get out of the city crowd and leisurely enjoy the Autentika Brunch every Saturday and Sunday or after hard working day enjoy a glass of wine or locally brewed beer with great steak at VEST city bar in Kimmel Quarter.
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Kimmel Quarter
History
1815-1840
The first origins of the “KIMMEL” brewery date back to 1815, when a small brew house and a malt factory were founded in the Old Town of Riga.
In 1838, Latvia started importing beer from Bavaria, and the so-called “stone cellar” was built to store it at the Kimmel Quarters site. Sometime later, the entire beer warehouse was moved to those premises.
1840-1924
In 1840, new equipment was installed and in 1850 a new steam-powered brewery, renamed “C. L. Kymmel” opened on the site. The brewery acquired exclusive rights for the production of beer and porter, which caused extensive construction works in the 1870s, with the main brewery buildings, cellars, stables and residential buildings built. It was evident for “Kymmel” that, in order to be a competitive company, modern equipment was needed, the enterprise managed to purchase it in Germany.
1924-1970
In 1924, “Kymmel” was recognized as the best among 45 beer and malt producers in Latvia. The brewery used to produce malt for both domestic use and export.
In 1929, “Kymmel” started the production of mineral water, fruit-water and seltzer water. “Kymmel” was nationalized in 1941. After World War II, the enterprise was renamed to “Riga Brewery”. In 1959, the enterprise changed its name again to “Riga Winery and Brewery”.
1970-2001
In 1970, it became the main company producing non-alcoholic beverages. After regaining independence, the company was named “Rīgas alus” (Riga’s beer).
In 2001 the enterprise was renamed once again “Kimmel Rīga”, which was moved from Riga to Ādaži a year later. Since the brewery production ended in 2001 the state of the buildings and structures has deteriorated to its current state. Some of the buildings have partly been in use for restaurants, cafés and mechanical workshops.