"YIT Lietuva" will reconstruct the "Mada" shopping center

In September of this year, the Mada shopping center will close for a two-year reconstruction. Commercial real estate development and management company Baltisches Haus has received a permit for reconstruction works and signed a contract worth over 56 million euros with "YIT Lietuva".

The popular and successful shopping center "Mada" is one of the first shopping centers in Vilnius, part of which was last renovated more than a decade ago.

"We analyzed the market situation and opportunities for renewal." The reconstruction of the shopping center is not only a renovation of the building, but also an important step in creating a vibrant Viršuliškės district, whose urban landscape is changing. "We are pleased that the reconstruction project has been granted a building permit and we will soon be able to start work," says Audrius Masionis, director of Baltisches Haus.

Contractors will reconstruct the shopping center for the second time

The shopping center occupies an area of almost 28 thousand sq. meters and consists of two buildings, which after reconstruction will meet the requirements of energy class A. The general contractor for the project is the company YIT Lietuva, which reconstructed Mada more than two decades ago.

"We completed the reconstruction and expansion of the shopping center back in 2003, when we installed one of the first multi-storey parking lots in a shopping center." Also, not every shopping center at that time could boast of escalators, which were installed during reconstruction. This time, in order to meet all the client's expectations, part of the existing building will have to be demolished and new premises that meet modern requirements will have to be built," says Kęstutis Vanagas, CEO of YIT Lietuva.

The goal is to create a cozy center of attraction

The reconstruction project of the shopping center was prepared by the architectural team of Do Architects. According to chief architect Gilma Teodora Gylytė, the team aimed to create a sense of coziness and turn the new "Mada" into a center of attraction for the district: "We remember this shopping center from ancient times - and I remember very well how I bought a swimsuit here in the eighth grade." We aimed to create a cozy center of attraction – a space where you would want to not only shop, but also spend your free time.”

One of the most striking architectural solutions of the new shopping center is the clock tower. "The tower, reminiscent of a town hall, is a landmark and a beautiful allegory of the fact that this is the center of the district." Another element that shapes the public space is the stairs on the roof. The intersection will change significantly, as it will be dominated not by a parking lot with a closed corner, but by a square with stairs leading to a rooftop terrace. "There will also be a lot of greenery - there will be many entrances to restaurants and cafes near the first floor, surrounded by trees, bushes and benches," says GT. Gylyte.

Elements of the old "Fashion" will also remain

According to A. Masionis, the reconstructed shopping center will meet the modern needs of city residents and will organically blend into the city space. "There is a real lack of such community spaces in both Viršuliškės and the surrounding areas, so we hope to create a vibrant space that will become an integral part of Vilnius life," says A. Masionis.

GT Gylytė adds that some elements of the old shopping center will remain unchanged. "Looking at it from a nostalgic perspective, our team was impressed by the pink color of the shopping center that prevailed when Mada was first built." We will bring back these warm, pink, cozy tones. "The main entrance and name, which has already become a familiar and iconic name for Vilnius residents, will also remain," says GT. A snail.

Construction work will begin in September of this year and is scheduled to be completed in August 2027.