“Rue des Mariniers” someone whispers. Let me tell you a story about this street. The street is part of a project that changed the Broussais hospital. It was decided that the area should be open. Four architecture firms were chosen after an architecture contest. They had to design four new programs. These included social housing, a crèche and the Didot social center. Also, they designed a social student residence. Finally, they designed two buildings with homes for sale.
Pablo Katz Architecture finished a group of 80 homes for sale in 2016. The project is on the west side of the area. It is on a piece of land shaped like a trapezoid. A central courtyard has a large tree. It is closed on three sides but open to the city and public space. The three buildings around it have different heights. They have six, eight and nine floors. Their look comes from how they are used.
Almost all apartments have big balconies or terraces. These have metal sun shades that slide. Large openings let in a lot of light. They also offer many views of the area. The entrance hall is completely clear. It opens onto the gardens. Pablo Katz Architecture has also designed homes and studios on rue du Nord. You can find Rue des Mariniers in the 14th arrondissement. The closest metro station is Plaisance.
The Marais is a historic district. It spreads across parts of the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. They are on the Right Bank of the Seine. It used to be an aristocratic district. Many buildings have historic and architectural importance. It was no longer a fashionable district in the late 18th century. Only minor nobles lived there. After the French Revolution, the district fell into disrepair. The nobility abandoned it. It was unfashionable until the late 20th century.
After the French Revolution, it became a commercial area. It hosted one of Paris’ main Jewish communities. The area around the rue des Rosiers was called the “Pletzl”. It welcomed many Eastern European Jews. They strengthened the district’s clothing specialty. During World War II, the Nazis targeted the Jewish community. Today, the rue des Rosiers is a major center of the Paris Jewish community. It has made a comeback since the 1990s.
The Marais is now one of Paris’ most frequented localities for art galleries. It has become a popular and culture-defining district. It has many upscale restaurants, museums, fashion houses, and galleries. The Marais is also known for its Chinese community. It first formed during World War I. France needed workers to replace soldiers. China sent thousands of its citizens. Some stayed in Paris after the war. They lived around the current rue au Maire. Today, most work in jewelry and leather. The Marais’ Chinese community has mainly settled in the north. It is near Place de la République. Next to it, on the Rue du Temple, is the Chinese Church of Paris. Other features include the Musée Picasso and the Musée Carnavalet.