Manufactory Quarter includes a large number of buildings that are considered also as cultural monuments. The surrounding apple garden and the ancient park trees in the background form a unique environmental value. The history of the Manufactory Quarter dates back to 1898, when Emperor Nicholas II approved the statutes of the Baltic Cotton Spinning and Knitting Factory. In 1900, the 234-meter-long and four-storey main building designed by Rudolf Otto von Knüpffer was completed in the area between Telliskopli Road and the sea, to which a limestone wing was added in 1908. Various extensions were gradually added throughout most of the factory’s history. Production reached a peak between the two world wars in 1928–1929, when the number of workers reached 2,000. In addition to fabrics, various yarns and cotton wool were also made. The factory was nationalized by the Soviet authorities in 1940, and in 1941 burned down in a whirlwind of war. Restoration began in 1945, and the following year the factory resumed production of raw cotton fabric and thread which continued throughout the Soviet period. In the 1990s, after the restoration of Estonia’s independence, the manufactory was acquired by the Tolaram Group and the production ceased under the pressure of the changing economic environment in 2006. Before the closure of the factory building, the Tolaram Group started to prepare a detailed plan for the entire area in order to transform it into a modern residential and business quarter. The first fruit of this is the Sitsi apple orchard quarter (269 apartments), which was completed in 2014–2019 in cooperation of Hepsor-Tolaram. As a result of this cooperation, the development of the entire remaining factory area will be continued.

The location of the Manufactory Quarter is unique. There is a lot of high-quality urban space and outstanding architecture in Northern Tallinn within easy reach — Lennusadam, Patarei, Noblessner, Stroomi beach, and Kultuurikatel, which all will be connected by the Insect Squadron in the future. The dignified position in Tallinn and the romantic history of the Second Industrial Revolution require an ambitious approach. The Manufactory Quarter will become an environment where living spaces are intertwined with offices, restaurants, trade and service areas. A quaint quarter bubbling with life. A diverse business environment where architecture inspired by history preserves the industry’s unique character. The public space will be universal and people-centered, containing playgrounds, community gardens, parks, and easily enjoyable spaces where time runs in its own course.