diff --git a/freeciv/freeciv/common/unittype.c b/freeciv/freeciv/common/unittype.c
index 5b37454a9..d52a5a1a9 100644
--- a/freeciv/freeciv/common/unittype.c
+++ b/freeciv/freeciv/common/unittype.c
@@ -1465,7 +1465,7 @@ bool can_player_build_unit_direct(const struct player *p,
          * else. */
         return FALSE;
       }
-    } else {
+    } else if (!is_small_wonder(punittype->need_improvement)) {
       if (!can_player_build_improvement_direct(p,
                                                punittype->need_improvement)) {
         return FALSE;