According to sources, Oscarsborg in Söderhamn has been forgotten and fallen into disrepair for some time. In recent years, the tower has lost its star quality. Rolle Hellbom saw potential in the tower and took on the project.
"I thought that I want to do something about this," said Hellbom, a volunteer carpenter. He asked the municipality for permission to renovate the building, and the renovation has been ongoing for about four months, though the exact start date is unknown. The viewing tower is about 23 meters tall and rises over the eastern mountain in Söderhamn, and it has been there since 1895.
I thought that I want to do something about this.
Hellbom has sealed rotten windows, varnished the floor, repainted, and upgraded lighting and furniture. "It was so rotten that I had to replace and put in filler, but it turned out great," he said. The plan is to rent out the tower hall for conferences.
Before renting out, he needs to build an emergency ladder; otherwise, the building will not pass inspection. The timeline for completing the ladder is unclear. Hellbom says the best part of the renovation has been the view.
It was so rotten that I had to replace and put in filler, but it turned out great.
"We sit and have coffee and look out, especially then that calm comes," he added. The cost of the renovation project has not been disclosed.
We sit and have coffee and look out, especially then that calm comes.