The landmark high-rise towers that form an unmissable part of the Rīga skyline are to change their name in order to avoid associations with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Hitherto known as the “Z-Towers,” the prominent use of a “Z” symbol by Russian forces and supporters of the unprovoked aggression has caused the owners of the buildings to rebrand the luxury multifunctional tower blocks.
As previously reported by LSM, more than €250 million (US$272 million) has been invested in the 15-year construction process of the two high-rise buildings with mixed office and luxury residential use, while the first five floors have a publicly accessible infrastructure. Four historic wooden buildings have also been restored nearby as part of the project, which was blighted by the economic crisis ten year ago and saw contractual disputes also taking their toll on progress, while wrangles about the necessary certification have also made the news.
Rīgans have watched the project slowly progress, with the two glass cylinders inching upwards to 123 and 117 meters respectively. One of the main investors in the project is Russia-born billionaire Yuri Shefler and his SPI Group, which makes Stolichnaya vodka in Latvia.
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