## Delicate Integration Current Minister of Culture Nauris Puntulis (National Alliance) is serving in this position for the second time — and during his first term on May 25, 2022, he signed a "Protocol of Intent for the Implementation of the National Concert Hall Project" with then-mayor Mārtiņš Staķis. The city, represented by SIA Rīgas nami, allocated a plot of land measuring 7965 m2 at 5 Krišjāna Valdemāra Street — and the former Congress House located there, with an underground parking lot. The municipality committed to conducting a sketch competition for the reconstruction of the famous building in accordance with the Union of Latvian Architects. A total of 38 architectural ideas were submitted in the first round, from which an international jury selected 6 best projects for the final. The first place and the main prize of 30,000 euros was awarded to the joint concept Baltic Shine by Latvian firms MARK arhitekti, Mailītis A.I.I.M., and landscape designers Labie koki. The winning project was the absolute leader in both rounds of voting. The jury praised it for the delicate integration of the concert hall into the surrounding Kronvalda Park - and for its "respectful attitude towards the modernist architecture of the original Congress House." Unfortunately, construction work has not yet begun - the next mega project is still in the active design phase. More than 3.5 million euros have been allocated for the development of documentation. According to a special law passed by the Saeima, the Riga City Council must complete and present the finished construction project and budget by December 31, 2026. The question is whether the municipality has enough administrative resources for this noble goal? ## The Laurels of Rail Baltica Moreover, the cost of the project has significantly increased: initially, based on 2023 prices, the total implementation was estimated at 61.3 million — but now it is said to be 90 million euros. Interestingly, SIA Rīgas nami has become so financially strained that it is collecting a "participation fee" from residents of the municipality-owned apartments, in addition to the increased rent, resulting in a bill for a 2-room apartment rising to 300 euros in the summer. Such are the priorities of the capital's leadership! However, the realization of the musical-architectural symphony is still lost in the time perspective. The year 2029 has been indicated, but that is just how it will turn out. The example of Rail Baltica proves that the main thing here is not the result, but the process itself.