News

The contract for the restoration of the neoclassical building of the Athena Research Center in the old town of Xanthi has been signed between the President of the Board and Director General of Athena, Professor Ioannis Emiris, the Mayor of Topeiros and President of the Board of the Local Government Development Organization "NESTOS S.A.," Mr. Thomas Michoglou, and the Legal Representative of S. Fasias Construction & Co. L.P., Mr. Stefanos Fasias. The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Vasileios Kyriakopoulos from the Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations (HCAP/Growthfund) and Mr. Vasileios Katsouros, Director of the Institute for Language and Speech Processing at the Athena Research Center. The contract was signed on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at noon, at the Athena facilities in the Kimmeria University Campus of Xanthi.

 

The project involves the specialized restoration of a historic house owned by Athena, aiming to host innovation and education initiatives that will have a multiplier and catalytic effect on the development of the local region. This neoclassical building, located in the historical core of the old town of Xanthi, is estimated to have been constructed in the early 20th century and has been designated as a work of art and a historic preserved monument by Government Gazette No. 199/03-04-1991.

 

The project's goal is to carry out restoration work to transform the building into a modern and functional space for the development and promotion of innovation, education, and entrepreneurship activities in the region. The work will include structural reinforcement, renovation and reconstruction of both the exterior and interior, and the restoration of its architectural features while preserving its authenticity. Modern infrastructure systems such as lighting, air conditioning, and security systems will also be installed.

 

The restoration of the building is of particular significance for the area, as it will not only contribute to showcasing the cultural heritage of Xanthi but also provide a modern hub for supporting local entrepreneurship and education. The Athena Research Center aims to establish the Knowledge Development Center, which will promote high-quality inclusive education and lifelong learning while hosting various training activities, mentoring, coaching, and educational programs. These initiatives will enhance skills and knowledge and support new entrepreneurship through innovative approaches and research.

 

The restoration is expected to be completed in the coming months, providing a modern, multifunctional facility that will significantly contribute to local development and serve as a hub for innovation and education in Xanthi and the broader Thrace region.

 

Following the contract signing, Professor Ioannis Emiris stated:

At the same time, Vassilis Katsouros, Director of the Institute for Language and Speech Processing at the Athena Research Center, stated: "It is with great emotion that I would like to acknowledge the foresight of the late George Carayiannis, founder of the Institute for Language and Speech Processing, who in 2000 had the vision to acquire this historic building in the old town of Xanthi. The restoration of this neoclassical landmark, combined with the strong presence of the Athena Research Center in the region, marks a decisive step toward the creation of a modern hub for research, innovation, and education - continuing the founder’s vision to develop technological advancements for the benefit of the local community and the broader Thrace region."

 

Also present at the contract signing were Ms. Kyriaki-Kleio Michalopoulou, Director of the Local Government Development Organization "NESTOS S.A."; Mr. Anastasios Pitatzis, Consultant; Ms. Athanasia Ioannidou, Civil Engineer; Mr. Nikolaos Tsardidis, Civil Engineer, as well as researchers and administrative staff from Xanthi.

 

The project is co-financed with resources from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and through a loan agreement between the Greek State and the European Investment Bank. It is Subproject 4 of the project titled "Subproject 2: Construction/Reconstruction of Building Facilities for the Athena Research Center," which is included in the RRF under OPS code TA 5174714.