Construction initiates for the second 'Duck Republik' student residence in Riga, with a time capsule buried to mark the occasion.
Unleashing the Future: Duck Republik's Time Capsule Symbolizes a New Era of Student Living in Riga
Today, 19th June, pieces of the past and glimpses of the future went hand in hand as a time capsule was buried at 51 Slokas Street in Riga. This momentous occasion marks the kickoff of construction for the upcoming "Duck Republik" student hotel in Latvia's vibrant capital. With an estimated opening in 2026, this cutting-edge building promises to be one of the most advanced student housing facilities in the Baltic region, catering to over 250 excited students. The overall investment for this project amounts to €14.5 million.
The time capsule, buried at the construction site, encases a letter to future inhabitants, a newspaper edition from this very day, and other symbolic treasures, signifying the predominantly student and young professional demographic this building is intended to serve. Representatives from "Duck Republik," construction partner SIA "Merko Būve," architects from SIA "Vilnis Mičulis," and the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency attended the ceremony to celebrate this milestone.
As Henrik Veldi and Ada Fida, members of the "Duck Republik" board, stated, "We are not just here to build or revamp buildings; our aim is to create an environment where young people can flourish and feel they belong. The construction of this second student hotel reinforces Latvia's high demand for premium, sustainable, and community-focused student accommodations. With the attention and respect shown to Latvia's reputable higher education system, we believe this housing can further boost Latvia's presence on the global higher education stage."
Jānis Zilgme, Chairman of the Management Board at "Merko Būve," shared his enthusiasm, stating, "We're proud to set the foundation for the 'Duck Republik' student residence – a project that fosters the growth and wellbeing of future professionals. We're thrilled to contribute to the urban landscape with a modern, eco-friendly, and functional living space designed for students. This project is thoughtfully crafted to enhance daily life and inspire young minds to chase their dreams."
Fredis Bikovs, Director of the Riga Investment and Tourism Agency, appreciated the efforts, stating, "This is a crucial step towards making Riga an even more compelling destination for students globally. The private sector's active engagement in enhancing the student experience indicates that Riga values innovation and sustainable growth."
The upcoming student hotel, a three-storey structure with an underground level, will be the second "Duck Republik" project in Riga. It will offer contemporary and thoughtfully designed living spaces, shared communal areas, and an inclusive, supportive community environment. The first "Duck Republik" residence opened its doors on Lauvas Street back in 2020, following a €7.5 million investment.
At its heart, "Duck Republik" is about fostering connections among people—be they locals or overseas students, all of whom have chosen Latvia as their stepping stone into their careers. For more information, visit Duck Republik's official website.
[1] Overall Project Details[2] Focus on Sustainability and Student Well-being[3] International and Dynamic Student Community[4] Building Strong Connections among Future Leaders in Latvia
- The investment of €14.5 million in the Duck Republik student hotel project is an indication of a growing interest in sustainable, premium student accommodations, such as real-estate and housing-market ventures, geared towards the education sector.
- With an aim to create an environment that promotes the growth and well-being of young people, Duck Republik is consciously investing in the future by focusing on not just buildings, but also on the environment and student experience.
- The forthcoming student hotel in Riga, catering to over 250 students, aspires to fosters connections among the international and dynamic student community, contributing to the country's strong educational ecosystem and positively impacting its standing on the global education stage.
