Progress. Does the name Rue du Progrès – Vooruitgangstraat not make you curious? This street tells a story of ambition and expansion in Brussels.
Rue du Progrès stretches between Saint-Josse-ten-Noode and Schaerbeek. It begins at Place Rogier and ends at Rue des Palais. The street also intersects with other important routes. These are Boulevard Simon Bolivar, Avenue Philippe Thomas and Avenue de la Reine.
The name “Rue du Progrès” or “Vooruitgangstraat” reflects the growth of Schaerbeek. This boom followed the construction of the Gare du Nord around 1850. The street became a symbol of progress. It showed how Brussels was changing.
Did you know that a section of the GR 12 hiking trail runs along Rue du Progrès? This long-distance path connects Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris. Imagine walking from the Atomium to the Grand-Place along this historic route.
The buildings on Rue du Progrès have unique numbers. On one side, the numbers run from 1 to 455. On the other side, they go from 42 to 270. Keep an eye out for these numbers as we explore.
Number 55 in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode is home to the Immeuble Boréal. Architect Michel Jaspers designed this postmodern office building in 2001. Its modern style stands out.
Also in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, you can find the Hotel Siru. Marcel Chabot designed this hotel in a modernistic and Art Deco style. It sits at the corner of Rue des Croisades and Rue du Progrès.
The Tour Rogier is another notable building. Philippe Samyn and Michel Jaspers created this tower in 2006. It stands at the corner of Place Rogier and Rue du Progrès.
At number 56, also in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, is the City Atrium. This is the main building for the Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport. It is a key hub for transportation services.
Now, let us move to Schaerbeek.
At number 80 stands the Centre de Communication Nord and Gare de Bruxelles-Nord. This is the North Station. The station is a major transportation hub in Brussels.
Several famous people once lived on Rue du Progrès. At number 121, Alexis Bricou lived. He was a merchant of sponges and chamois leather. Alexis was the father of Jeanne Bricou, a writer who influenced Marguerite Yourcenar.
The Residence Nord is at number 187. This residential tower was built in 1976. Its functionalist style reflects the architecture of its time.
At number 244, you would have found the workshops and offices of the car maker Vivinus.
The writer Georges Eekhoud lived at number 403. Eugène Plasky, a landscape painter, resided at number 411.
As you explore Rue du Progrès, remember its name. It is a reminder of Brussels’ ambition for the future. It is a symbol of a city always reaching for progress.