What imposing architecture rises before us? It is the Préfet de Région in Lille a building steeped in both regional and departmental authority. The Préfet de Région is more than just bricks and mortar. It symbolizes the power and administration that governs this part of France.
The Préfet de Région stands proudly on Place de la République. Its location marks the joining of old Lille with newer districts annexed in 1858. Before this grand building, fortifications stood here. These defenses were destroyed in 1865. The city generously donated the land for the Préfet de Région. It faces the Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille which was built twenty years later.
Construction of the Préfet de Région spanned from 1865 to 1905. The building is made of hard limestone. Charles Marteau a departmental architect won the design competition in 1865. Building construction finished in 1874. Félix Huidiez sculpted the frontons. Georges Aumont designed the gardens at the same time. Aumont was a landscape architect who designed public gardens in Lille and Roubaix. Léonce Hainez departmental architect made some changes and improvements in 1905.
The initial design intended a mixed-use building. It would house the prefect’s living quarters. It would offer reception halls for distinguished guests. It would provide meeting and work rooms and offices for prefectural services. These services included the secretary-general and key cabinet members. The building also included offices for departmental services of the Nord department. In 1905 Léonce Hainez added a hemicycle for departmental elected officials. A reception hall overlooks a pleasure garden. Georges Aumont’s agency designed and laid out the garden. It won a gold medal at the 1855 Universal Exhibition. A straight masonry staircase provides access from the reception hall.
The Préfet de Région follows a classic H-shaped layout. This layout places a courtyard on the Place de la République side and a garden in the back. A high brick wall with stone quoins encloses the garden. The north wing held the prefect’s apartments. It overlooked two interior courtyards. The central section has a pavilion roof. The north and south wings have long slate sections. Zinc or lead covers the ridge.
The Préfet de Région a building that makes an impression. It represents security and order for the Nord department. Completed in 1874 it boasts meticulous and imposing architecture. Félix Huidiez’s sculpted frontons enhance its beauty. The Préfet de Région has an important place in Lille. It has a place in our tour as well.