Preliminary selection for a part of the reconstruction of the corner of Laekjargata and Austurstraeti has begun, visir.is reports. The historical buildings that used to stand there, in Reykjavik’s city center, burned to the ground in April 2007.
The Laekjargata / Austurstraeti fire. Photo by Páll Stefánsson.
The new buildings will be privately held or rented out next summer.
The City of Reykjavik bought the lots and the buildings’ remains in November 2007 and May 2008. The buying price was 583 million ISK, from which the insurance fee due to the fire was deducted.
President of the City Council, Óskar Bergsson says that a total of 500 million ISK will be put into the project this year. The total cost depends on how far the City of Reykjavik will be able to take the project. The City will at least finish the houses’ exteriors, and then they will be put up for purchase or rent.
Construction at the plot at 4 and 6, Laugavegur will also begin this fall. “That is a part of the so-called Halland-project, which combines retraining with the restoration of old houses. Unemployed tradesmen and technicians will be participating in the project.”
The City also intends to tender offer the houses at Laugavegur, but at least build the exterior. Final cost on that project will be determined by when buyers or renters take over their management.
