Buy stone, save square

Apr 25, 2002
Sergei Stepanov

A campaign to raise funds for renovating Narva's Town Hall Square got under way this week with donors being asked to buy paving stones with their names on to the city.

Donors can buy stones measuring anything from 10 centimeters to 10 meters in diameter. Those whose stones are wider than 30 centimeters can have a message, their name or even a palm-print engraved on them.

The sale could take between three and five years, according to Pro Narva, a non-governmental organization which has organized the drive.

"Then the Town Hall Square will get the proper look of a historical city center," said Katri Raik, head of Tartu University's Narva College and a member of Pro Narva.

"When the total sum is collected, we'll buy the stones at once, pave the square and publish a book with the names of the contributors and a map of the square."

The original baroque Town Hall Square finished in 1671 was ruined during World War II.

The retreating German army tried to destroy everything they could not take with them, and the Red Army showed no restraint when attacking the city.

Facing severe economic difficulties the municipality has made little money available for cosmetic improvements such as renovating the square, which is just under 1,000 meters square.

By the time The Baltic Times went to press 70 stones had been sold and donors included German Ambassador to Estonia Gerhard Schrembgens, the National History Museum of Sweden, and ordinary residents of Narva and other cities.

Donors can purchase a stone, selecting its size, inscription and position in the square at www.pronarva.ee. Payments can be made by credit card or through an online bank, and regular payments by post are also accepted.

The smallest stone (diameter 10 cm) plate costs 250 kroons ($14), and the biggest costs 750,000 kroons.

Pro Narva was founded in January to support the city's development and keep its historic legacy.

Apart from Raik, the people behind the organization are Population Minister Eldar Efendiyev, Swedish Trade Council Managing Director Kristian Kabin, professor of architecture Mart Kalm, Estonian Architectural Association Vice President Ular Mark, and Narva-based textile company Krenholmi Valdus CEO Meelis Virkebau.

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