These buildings once housed Soviet-era auto repair workshops — separate from the Põhjala factory at the time, but now reintegrated into its grounds.

On one side of the complex, you’ll find a bookshop café, brewery, and coffee roastery. On the other side, a theatre, blacksmith’s workshop, and a variety of artisans and designers.

It’s the perfect place to remember the vibrant community life once shared by the original Põhjala factory workers.

“Põhjala had sports, music, and theatre groups, which merged in January 1936 into the Põhjala Society for Mental and Physical Culture. One of the best-known collectives was a mandolin orchestra. In Kopli’s local football championships, the Põhjala team consistently performed well.

The factory’s management even launched a volleyball tournament with a special travelling trophy — the silver galosh — which the team often won.

A typical factory worker sang in a choir, acted in a drama club, or played in the orchestra — and still found the energy to train with the local football club or take part in the Kopli fire brigade or defence league.”
Source: Postimees 2008 – Põhjala: Kopli’s Energetic Rubber Goods Factory

By the way, the historic Kopli fire station is just next door – in the low building where you can still spot the uniforms of today’s volunteer rescue crew. Firefighters have worked in that same house since 1912!