The building was constructed by Suomen Yhdys-Pankki – Finnish commercial bank - between 1914 and 1915.
The bank building at Kirkkokatu street 20 was designed in 1914 by architect Valter Thomé. Among competing construction bids, the offer by builder J.E. Stolt from Kristiinankaupunki was accepted. The chief supervisor for the construction work on behalf of the bank was architect Valter Thomé, with site supervision carried out by builder J. Suvanto. The opening of bank’s branch office in the building took place in 1915.
During the Winter War, the neighboring house was the temporary residence of a well known Finnish author Ilmari Kianto (1874-1970) and his family. When the Winter War began, Russian forces advanced towards Suomussalmi, and the Kianto family's journey led them from Suomussalmi to Raahe. Ilmari Kianto was detained in Raahe on January 13, 1940. The family lived in Raahe, at Koulukatu street 19, until spring.
The Raahe branch of the bank moved to new premises in the early 1970s and 1980s, and the property has changed hands multiple times since.
After the banking operations moved to new facilities, the building has housed various businesses, including Revon Sähkö Ltd., Alte Ltd., as well as shops and cafes.
More information in Finnish
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