The city of Helsinki has been selling buildings and properties that it no longer needs for years, leading to the sale of even centuries-old manors. This process allows for these historic properties to gain new purposes, fostering community engagement. Two recent examples from East Helsinki include the Kulosaaren Manor and Nordsjö Manor, both of which are expected to open their doors to the public in March 2024.

Kulosaaren Manor was purchased in August 2025 by brothers Riku and Rami Lähdemäki for €114,000. Since October, the manor's lakeside sauna has been hosting open sauna sessions, and it is scheduled to open its main building to the public on March 18. The opening will feature an exhibition composed of local artists' works and a café, establishing the manor as a cultural hub for the local community.

The initiative is part of a larger trend where historic structures in Helsinki are repurposed for community use, providing residents with spaces to gather and engage with local art. This approach not only preserves the historic architecture but also revitalizes neighborhoods, potentially enhancing community interactions and fostering a shared sense of place.