First Phase of Konrāds Quarter Completed in Cēsis

Draugiem Group company “Mājas Cēsīs” has completed the first phase of renovations in the new Konrāds Quarter, marking the milestone with the opening of the restored design hotel “Pastor’s House.” The full development is set for completion next year, creating a vibrant new cultural and artistic hub in the heart of Cēsis Old Town.

Konrāds Quarter will bring together four unique buildings. The newly built “Draugu nams” (Friends’ House) will feature workspaces, cultural event venues, and an art gallery highlighting an exposed medieval wall. Its top floor will host two exclusive short-term rental apartments. The “Pastor’s House” and its courtyard “Carriage House” will offer fully equipped design hotel apartments, blending modern technologies with centuries-old wooden architecture – turning the buildings themselves into living works of art.

The historic Konrāds House will host a café and a self-service store on the ground floor, while the upper floors will provide long-term rental apartments with sweeping views of St. John’s Church and the Cēsis Castle Garden. Every element of the quarter – from the apartments and public spaces to the cafés – is designed to be family- and pet-friendly.

“Our ambition is to set a new benchmark for hospitality in Latvia – to treat every guest with the same care we would hope for ourselves, whether at home or while traveling. This project is being carried out with deep respect for the environment and cultural heritage, preserving the unique charm of Cēsis Old Town with all its crooked lines and imperfections. By integrating the latest accessibility and climate technologies with historic architectural details, we are ensuring that Konrāds Quarter will become yet another reason to fall in love with Cēsis,” said Andis Malahovskis, CEO of “Mājas Cēsīs”.

The new “Konrāda kafē” will soon welcome its first guests, with a menu crafted by chef Mārtiņš Kristons, who has been delighting Draugiem Group employees for over 20 years. His creations range from refined dishes in wine sauces to traditional comfort food like grandmother’s meatballs. The “Friends’ House” will also host educational and cultural events, with the new art gallery opening its doors with a debut exhibition by Cēsis artist Ritums Ivanovs.

The architectural vision for Konrāds Quarter comes from Pēteris Bajārs (OUTOFBOX Architecture), while the restoration of the wooden heritage buildings has been led by renowned historic building expert Pēteris Blūms.

“Mājas Cēsīs” is part of Draugiem Group, dedicated to making Cēsis more attractive to both residents and visitors. Previous projects include the restoration of “Spīdalas House” in Cēsis Old Town and the “Žagaru House” in the Gauja Valley, installation of public drinking water fountains, creation of the tilted trees square under the #CēsisAttracts initiative, as well as collaborations with the Vidzeme Technology and Design Technical School and the Cēsis Concert Hall. The company continues to lead the revival of historic buildings in Cēsis Old Town.