Mar 22 • 13:05 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Yle Uutiset

Jari Keinänen saved his childhood's forbidden house – now Google is hoped to awaken the sleeping village

Jari Keinänen, once restricted from playing near a forbidden house in Leppiniemi, is now advocating for its revival with the help of Google.

Jari Keinänen's childhood memories are intertwined with the forbidden area surrounding Leppiniemen guesthouse, built next to the Pyhäkoski power plant. This guesthouse was off-limits for children, serving as a retreat for high-profile guests such as dignitaries and decision-makers. Keinänen's connection to this location has prompted him to seek ways to revitalize the village of Leppiniemi, which emerged in the 1940s as part of the significant Oulu River hydroelectric project initiated during Finland's industrialization.

The village was designed by renowned architect Aarne Ervi, who was responsible for other notable constructions in Finland, including parts of the University of Helsinki and the Tapiola district in Espoo. The Pyhäkoski power plant and the entire Oulu River project were pivotal developments in Finland's transformation in the 20th century, and the architectural design was considered revolutionary at the time. Juhana Lahti, a specialist researcher at the Finnish National Board of Antiquities, emphasized the importance of this construction in marking Finland's industrial growth and modernization during its historical context.

Keinänen's vision for the future of Leppiniemi is truly inspired; he hopes that tech giants like Google might play a role in rekindling interest in this area, which has faded over the years. By raising awareness and potentially attracting developers or tourism, there is an ambition to create a new chapter for this historically rich yet currently quiet village, which holds significant memories for its past residents and could play a role in Finland's cultural landscape once again.

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