Raudteevalitsuse Villa story
Art Nouveau villa with neoclassical and Art déco elements, which was built in the 1920s, is important in the history of Pärnu's former narrow-gauge railway.
Pärnu was already a well-recognized resort town at that time, belonging on the official list of imperial health resorts of Russia. The grand opening of the Pärnu-Valga railway connection, that took place on October 5, 1896, only helped with tourism, and soon enough, with a railway connection, the number of visitors doubled in the following years.
During its history, passenger trains have stopped in different places in Pärnu. The first railway station was located at the current Vabaduse Square (formerly Rüütli Square). Over time, the final quarter of Rüütli Street was built and the railway station, which was unfortunately confined on three sides, was slowly pushed out. Soon enough a competition was announced to design Pärnu town square. It was won in 1938 by the dignified Eesti Pank. Until the completion of the narrow-gauge railway connection, the new platform located parallel to the Pikk 12 building, where today the Martens’ Maja resides, opposite to the Pärnu Bus Station, another important spot for those who arrive in Pärnu.
The stylish Raudteevalitsuse Villa located at Pikk 16 is only a few meters away. Offering modern opportunities to live, work, and enjoy as much as 4,000 square meters offers. The building has 36 unique residential and commercial areas and an underground parking lot. The centerpiece of the Raudteevalitsuse Villa is the Art Nouveau villa built in the 1920s, which has received a new look with modern means.
The text is based on the following sources: Jaak Juske, “Lood unustatud Pärnust”, 2015, Jaak Juske ja Kirjastus Pegasus. Aldur Vunk ja Tiit Kask, “Valikus ja otsused. Pärnu kuurort”, 2014, Pärnu Muuseum.
