Opened in 1871 Rue de Wautier de Wautierstraat in Brussels boasts a rich history. This street connects Avenue de la Reine to the crossroads of Rue Drootbeek and the last section of Rue de Molenbeek. It’s a residential area primarily built with neoclassical and eclectic houses. These were constructed between 1875 and 1908. Some Art Deco and later eclectic style buildings were added between the wars.
Many houses were transformed into apartment buildings after World War II. Rue de Wautier de Wautierstraat also holds architectural gems. Three groups of similar houses inspired by Flemish Renaissance stand out. These were likely designed by Alexandre Losange. They are located at numbers 42 to 46 68 to 74 and 71 to 77. Noteworthy too is a group of Art Nouveau buildings at the corner of Rue de Ciplet. These were designed in 1903 by architect A Pladet. The facades of numbers 30 and 32 Rue de Wautier won a municipal facade competition that same year.
Architect Henri Jacobs designed numbers 20 and 22. These houses were built for members of L’Union a cooperative housing society. The street was once home to numerous workshops and factories. These included carpentry and wheelwright shops. Transport companies also operated here. The end of the street near Rue de Molenbeek is now a large vacant lot. This space is slated to become part of Tivoli GreenCity. This new sustainable neighborhood will include around 400 homes two daycare centers and shops.
A fascinating detail Rue de Wautier’s name honors François-Xavier de Wautier. He was a Laeken resident and a former general in the Belgian army. He died a year before the street was named after him. The street’s name has had varied spellings over time including Rue de Wauthier Rue Waut(h)ier and Rue de Vaut(h)ier. The street’s quiet charm today masks a vibrant past. A past filled with architectural innovation industrious activity and the legacy of a distinguished Belgian general. Rue de Wautier de Wautierstraat a quiet street with a compelling story.