In the 1870’s a sawmill was founded on an island close to a small town. As it often happened, a whole community was slowly built around it. The sawmill has closed and is gone, but in this particular location the other buildings in the area are astonishingly well preserved, although abandoned.
I learned of this place, when the forest giant still owning the area applied for a demolition permit for five historically significant buildings. The permit wasn’t granted, but I wanted to go see what the area looked like.
First we have the fire station of the sawmill from the late 1930’s.
This building wasn’t on the list of buildings the company wanted to demolish.
The place looked like it wasn’t in use anymore. But like with so many other locations on this tour of Finland, there was no access.
Behind the sawmill you can see the following building. And a nice old Volvo.
This is the former canteen also built in the 1930’s. This was also not included on the list of buildings to be demolished.
The canteen was a lovely building. I really wish that it gets a new life someday.
Well from this side the canteen looks like it is in need of some new paint.
This is the former village store. If the forest giant would have had its way, this one would be gone by now.
The former store was in a pretty rough condition.
The canteen seen from the back side.
Here we have the former hospital of the area. It was the first building with some broken and boarded up windows.
As usual I started doing a walkaround to see if there was a way in.
Behind the hospital you can see blocks of flats also built for the factory workers. Several are still in use, although some have been demolished. The city is losing population very fast and numerous empty blocks of flats have been demolished around the area.
Imagine all the possibilities the building could offer. It would be a perfect spot for weddings and other family gatherings.
But now it’s just standing here empty.
Although tere were numerous doors to the building, none were open.
Perhaps they ought to do something to the roof, though.
There was even more to explore here. A second post coming up.