In 1925, a prominent materials merchant, Joachim Riez, purchased a plot of land. This plot was at the corner of Jubelfeestlaan and Henri Hollevoetlaan. His vision? To build a grand mansion, now known as Hôtel Riez. Hôtel Riez would serve as both his office and private residence. This marked the beginning of the story of this remarkable Art Deco gem in the maritime district of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean.
Hôtel Riez, designed by architect Jean-Baptiste Dewin, showcases a blend of red brick and white stone. The imposing corner entrance and bay window are striking features. Look closely at the entrance portal. You’ll see sculptures of pelicans and eagles. These severe yet elegant bird carvings reflect Dewin’s signature style. Other stylized birds, notably doves, adorn the facade’s pilasters. The pointed roof, a rare element in Dewin’s work, adds a unique touch to the building’s silhouette.
The interior of Hôtel Riez is a true Art Deco masterpiece. Dewin collaborated with Joseph De Coene of the De Coene Frères Ateliers d’Art de Courtrai. Together they created a space of refined elegance. The entrance hall, paneled in grey marble, sets a tone of grandeur. Details like the radiator grilles highlight the meticulous craftsmanship. The main hall features a carved wooden staircase, exquisite paneling, and harmonious marble accents. A stunning Art Deco stained-glass window and a symmetrical fountain grace the stairwell. Upstairs, the living and dining rooms boast beautifully preserved parquet floors and delicate floral stained-glass windows. The original kitchen remains a sumptuous highlight, a testament to the era’s design sensibilities.
Joachim Riez resided in Hôtel Riez with his wife, Félicie-Ana Bovy, until their respective deaths in 1935 and 1948. The property then passed to Riez’s sisters, Denise and Elmyre. The Compagnie Industrielle du Rupel, whose offices occupied the ground floor since the building’s completion in 1928, continued as tenants. In 1963, Elmyre sold Hôtel Riez to CDA Insurance. This company undertook a meticulous restoration in 1992. They preserved the building’s heritage while adapting it to modern needs. Hôtel Riez stands today as a testament to its rich history and enduring architectural beauty. This Art Deco treasure, tucked away in the heart of Brussels, is a testament to a bygone era of elegance and craftsmanship.