Ruby Group is set to open its first hotel in Finland, an 84-room property in Helsinki’s Kamppi district. The hotel, scheduled to open in Q1 2028, will occupy the historic Professor House, locally known as “Proffa”. This move marks a significant milestone for Ruby Group as it expands its presence into the Nordic region, leveraging Helsinki’s growing appeal as a travel destination.
Historic Building Gets New Life
Located at Lapinlahdenkatu 3, the building has served as an office for many years. It will now be converted to accommodate 84 hotel rooms, a 24-hour bar, and a café. The ground floor will continue to host a pub and restaurant, operated by long-term tenants. The conversion aims to preserve the building’s historic charm while introducing modern amenities, creating a unique blend of old and new. The project is expected to revitalize the Kamppi district, enhancing its appeal as a lively urban area.
The project is a partnership with Union Investment, the building’s owner. This collaboration builds on an existing relationship between Ruby Group and Union Investment in Düsseldorf, where both parties have successfully worked together. The partnership shows a shared commitment to transforming historic properties into dynamic hospitality spaces.
A Strategic Move for Both Parties
Elena Günther-Jakobs, associate director for Central and Northern Europe at Ruby Group, expressed enthusiasm for the Helsinki location. She cited the city’s creative spirit, music scene, and Nordic warmth as ideal for their target market. Günther-Jakobs also emphasized Helsinki’s strategic importance as a gateway to the Nordic markets, noting its steady growth and cultural richness. The city’s blend of innovation and tradition aligns perfectly with Ruby Group’s brand identity.
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The hotel’s arrival in Helsinki reflects a broader trend of hospitality brands expanding into Nordic markets, drawn by their growing tourism sectors and unique cultural offerings. Finland, in particular, has seen an increase in international visitors, thanks to its natural beauty, design heritage, and high quality of life. This move positions Ruby Group to capitalize on Finland’s increasing appeal as a travel destination, offering a fresh and contemporary hospitality experience.
Bastian Stuhke, senior asset manager at Union Investment, highlighted the benefits of the project. He stated that the conversion will bring stable cash flow, enhance the property’s quality, and create positive momentum for the surrounding area. Stuhke also noted that the transformation aligns with Union Investment’s strategy to reposition historic buildings for long-term value creation. By partnering with Ruby Group, Union Investment aims to set a new standard for urban redevelopment in Helsinki.
Looking Ahead
The Helsinki hotel marks Ruby Group’s entry into the Finnish market. With its blend of historic charm and modern amenities, the property aims to cater to a new generation of travelers seeking authentic experiences. The hotel will offer a range of services tailored to both leisure and business travelers, including flexible workspaces and cultural programming. Ruby Group’s focus on sustainability and community engagement is expected to resonate with Helsinki’s environmentally conscious population.
Construction and renovations are expected to begin soon, with the hotel on track for its planned Q1 2028 opening. The project will transform a historic building into a lively hospitality hub, contributing to the revitalization of the Kamppi district. Local businesses and residents anticipate that the hotel will bring increased foot traffic and economic activity to the area, further enhancing its vibrancy. As Ruby Group prepares to welcome guests, the project stands as a sign of the power of collaboration in preserving heritage while supporting innovation.
