The Development of Industry and Jaunliep?ja in the 19th Century

Abstract

During the 19th century, development of trade and transportation in Liep?ja stimulated construction in the area on the north of the trading canal. There were only 16 houses in this territory in 1800 – mostly taverns or wayside inns, but in the late 19th century a well-designed territory that contained factories and apartment buildings for workers was already created, and now is known as Jaunliep?ja (New Liep?ja). The significance of the industrial heritage in Jaunliep?ja has not been appreciated enough so far, and the planning of factories and architecture has not been studied in sufficient detail. After the devastating years of the Second World War and the reconstruction projects during the Soviet era, many 19th century industrial complexes are still well preserved in Jaunliep?ja. Due to the changes in the economic system, the problem of utilization and preservation of the industrial heritage has become of great importance.