“Avenue Paul Santy” the sign reads. Ever wonder who Paul Santy was and why this avenue in Lyon bears his name? Paul Santy was a distinguished French physician. He left his mark on medicine and Lyon itself.
Avenue Paul Santy is more than just a street. It’s a slice of Lyon’s evolving urban landscape. In the 1970s and 80s residences sprung up along this avenue. Today these buildings house 875 apartments. Ninety percent of them are social housing.
The avenue is bordered by several important locations. J.S.T. company is located here. Also the Henri Longchambon middle school and Jean Giono schools are nearby. The Pierre Bavozet stadium is another neighbor.
Significant changes have occurred here recently. The T6 tramline began service in late 2019 connecting Gerland and Hôpitaux Est. New real estate projects are injecting fresh energy into the area. About 2,300 people call this neighborhood home. A new national urban renewal program will further boost this momentum.
Since 2019, the Langlet-Santy district has been undergoing urban renewal. The goal is to enhance the area’s appeal. The project aims to reshape the neighborhood while preserving its residential character.
Several key changes are underway. There is diversification of housing options. Around 131 social housing units are being demolished. Approximately 100 new diverse housing units are being constructed. Public spaces are being upgraded. The project includes 16000 square meters of redeveloped public space. This will improve safety and create recreational areas for all ages. Improvements are planned for Rue Stéphane Coignet and the area around Tower 106. The Marie Ducher garden and the Bavozet stadium surroundings will be improved.
The Grand Lyon Habitat residence is also undergoing renovation. 475 homes are being upgraded and 30000 square meters of space are being improved. This includes pathways landscaping playgrounds and parking areas.
New services are also coming to Avenue Paul Santy. These include the new Gisèle Halimi social center. Also planned is an annex to the social center. A medical center and the Maison Solidaire et Engagée de l’Alimentation will be added.
Demolition of buildings at 108 110 and 112 Avenue Paul Santy began in mid-2023. Improvement work on public spaces is underway.
Avenue Paul Santy is part of the “Quartiers Fertiles” initiative. This project promotes local food and urban agriculture. It focuses on health inclusion and social connections. The MESA is located at 83 Avenue Paul Santy. It features a solidarity grocery store with organic bulk products. It also has a restaurant. Prices are tailored to individual incomes ensuring access to quality food. Anti-waste workshops are held every Tuesday.
A unique urban farm operates underground. Located in 1400 square meters of underground parking. The company Cycloponics grows organic mushrooms and microgreens.
The Maison du Projet provides information about the urban project. It is located at 170 avenue Général Frère.
So as you stroll along Avenue Paul Santy remember the man it honors. Paul Santy a medical pioneer. Remember also the ongoing transformation. This avenue is evolving to meet the needs of its residents. It embraces sustainability and community.