Antilooppi merges shopping centre and two office properties in Helsinki into new urban block

The Ruoholahti shopping centre in Helsinki and the two surrounding office properties are being merged into a new urban block: Ruohis.

When the renovation is completed in the autumn, the original shopping centre property will be unified with the Porkkalankatu 20 and 22 office buildings.

At present, the three adjacent properties are linked via a parking garage. The renovation will see a new entrance created between the second floor at Ruohis to Porkkalankatu 20, where in the autumn the real-estate owner Antilooppi will open POOL, home to flexible working, conference and event spaces.

“We want people’s working environment and services in the urban block to form a single seamless experience. At Ruohis, you’ll be able to run all your errands easily during the working day,” says Johanna Sarekoski, Director, Concepts and Marketing, at Antilooppi.

Sarekoski says the urban block reflects all the diversity and dynamic use of the properties better than the term shopping centre. She says the urban block will combine work, leisure and a range of services.

“We want to be a good neighbour to everyone in the city. A place where all the daily services are nearby and easily accessible to all,” Sarekoski says.

Antilooppi CEO Tuomas Sahi, says the new Ruohis urban block will be an excellent expression of Antilooppi’s drive to support a range of social interactions and provide sustainable services, both for its buildings’ users and local residents.

“This is at the very core of our strategy,” Sahi says. “Ruohis is an excellent example of how Antilooppi is not just working to enhance its properties but also the neighbourhoods they are part of.”

Tenants to be announced over the summer

Renovations began at the centre in the spring, with work on the common areas due to be completed in August. The official opening ceremony will be in October. After the renovation, Ruohis will have a new logo, signposting, floor and ceiling. Some of the glass walls are also being replaced.

All the stores in the Ruohis urban block are open as usual during the renovation. We will announce the new retail tenants at Ruohis over the summer.