Kvarnholmen – From Industrial Area to Modern Neighborhood
The 17th Century – Industry Comes to Hästholmen
Kvarnholmen was originally called Hästholmen and remained relatively undeveloped for a long time. Thanks to its strategic location near the entrance to Stockholm, industry took root here early on. As early as 1621, the Gäddviken paper mill was established, later followed by chemical industries and a superphosphate factory.
The 18th Century – Summer Villas and a Shady Reputation
During the 18th century, wealthy Stockholmers began building summer villas on the island. At the same time, the place had a reputation for being a haunt for smugglers and swindlers, according to contemporary accounts.
1897 – The Tre Kronor Mill is built
The Tre Kronor Company built the large industrial mill known as Qvarnen Tre Kronor. This marked the beginning of Kvarnholmen’s true industrial breakthrough, and the area developed into the center of Sweden’s milling and baking industry.
1907 – The Hästholm Shipyard opens
Sweden's largest motorboat shipyard was established on the island. Among its clients was financier Ivar Kreuger, who had his yachts built here.
1922 – KF purchases the mill
The Cooperative Union (KF) purchased the mill and, later, nearly the entire island. The aim was to ensure affordable and efficient food production for the cooperative. This marked the beginning of Kvarnholmen’s most significant era.
1923 – The world’s most modern mill
KF is extensively modernizing the facility and converting the mill into what is described as the world’s most efficient and technologically advanced mill.
The 1920s and 1930s – The Rise of Functionalism
Kvarnholmen becomes a testing ground for Swedish functionalism (“funkis”). KF’s architects, including Eskil Sundahl and Olof Thunström, design modern industrial buildings and housing for the workers. Key buildings from this period:
The Oat Mill, the Macaroni Factory, the Bread Factory, the Functionalist Townhouses, and the Row Houses.
It was here that the ideas of a rational and social welfare state took shape.
The 1940s and 1950s – A Model Region of the "Folkhemmet"
Kvarnholmen developed into a self-contained industrial community. It featured workers’ housing, dining halls, a library, a tennis court, a choir, and recreational activities. During this period, a large portion of Sweden’s flour, crispbread, and pasta was produced here under brands such as Tre Kronor and, later, Juvel.
The 1970s – The island becomes a peninsula
Hästholmssundet is being filled in to improve transportation and logistics. As a result, Kvarnholmen will cease to be a true island and will instead become a peninsula connected to Sicklaön.
1980–1992 – The end of the industrial era
Profitability gradually declined, and operations were shut down one by one. In 1992, KF closed its last production facility at Kvarnholmen after approximately 70 years of industrial dominance.
The 2000s – Transformation into a modern neighborhood
Following the closure of the industrial facilities, the area is beginning to be developed into a residential neighborhood. Many old industrial buildings are being preserved and converted into housing, schools, and cultural venues. The development is primarily being led by JM and PEAB through Kvarnholmen Utveckling AB.
2016–2023 – Cultural Heritage and Restoration
Several buildings have been designated historic landmarks, including: Havrekvarnen, Munspelet, Disponentvillan, and the Funkis townhouses. Havrekvarnen is being restored and will reopen in 2023 following extensive reconstruction.
Today and beyond
Kvarnholmen is currently being developed into a dense urban neighborhood featuring housing, restaurants, schools, waterfront amenities, a marina, and commuter boat service. The plan calls for several thousand new homes and continued development through approximately 2030–2040.