Perhaps you have noticed the subtle blend of architectural styles. This is Avenue Richard Neybergh. It connects Rue Léopold Ier to the roundabout of Rue Charles Demeer. This avenue runs parallel to the western railway. It also intersects with Rue Laneau, Rue Louis Wittouck and Avenue Prudent Bols.
Avenue Richard Neybergh is fourteen meters wide. It features charming front gardens. The avenue is part of a triangular area. This area lies between Rue du Pannenhuis, Rue Léopold Ier and the railway. The district was created around the same time as Boulevard Émile Bockstael.
Initially, it was just a street. Avenue Richard Neybergh was created around 1905. It was named after Richard Neybergh. He was an architect and alderman for public works in Laeken. He served from 1900 to 1907. Around 1912, the street was upgraded to an avenue.
The first houses here were built between 1904 and 1914. Most display an eclectic style. For example, number 28 was designed by architect J. Boonen in 1907. Number 32 is by Henri Caron, also from 1907. A. Hulpiau built number 166 in 1908. Numbers 196 and 198 were designed by G. Delcourt in 1911.
Many buildings on Avenue Richard Neybergh won awards. These were part of facade competitions organized by the Commune between 1909 and 1915. Numbers 23, 29, 49, 51, 55, 106, 118, 140, 150, 151, 154, 156, 160 and 190 were all recognized. Number 172, designed by Alphonse Groothaert in 1909, won an award in 1910. Number 142, designed in 1911 by Pierre Heine featured Art Nouveau style. It won in 1911-1912 but was transformed in 1949.
Construction continued between the world wars. Buildings from this era show late eclectic styles. Number 203 was built in 1921. Beaux-Arts styles can be seen at number 16 designed by François Van Stichel in 1933. Pierre Netels designed number 139 in 1926. Art Deco styles appear at numbers 26 designed by H. Draps in 1938 and 181. Number 20, built between 1938 and 1940, showcases modernist architecture. Some larger apartment buildings were also built. Number 183 dates back to 1928.
Several architects and an artist lived on Avenue Richard Neybergh. Architect Pierre Heine lived at number 7. He designed many houses in the area. Architects J.-H. Vanden Broeck lived at number 27. Arthur Dothée lived at number 104. The painter-decorator Gustave Losange-Salu resided at number 160.
The buildings along this avenue retain particular coherence. Look at numbers 7 to 63 and 151 to 155 on one side. Also note numbers 96 to 150, 154 to 180 and 184 to 198 on the other side. Avenue Richard Neybergh offers a glimpse into architectural history. It reflects the styles and tastes of the early 20th century.