Dreams of affordable homes. That’s what Avenue Verhaeren in Lille represents. It embodies a chapter in the city’s social history. We stand here on Avenue Verhaeren. It is more than just a street. It’s a testament to Lille’s efforts to rebuild and provide for its citizens.
Let’s journey back to the early 20th century. Lille was recovering from the devastation of World War I. Over 1100 houses lay in ruins. Almost 11000 were damaged. The municipality launched an ambitious plan in 1921. This plan focused on reconstruction, expansion, and beautification. A key part of this plan was the demolition of old fortifications in 1919. This act freed up 275 hectares of land. The Faubourg de Béthune district was redeveloped in the 1930s. The removal of ramparts allowed for new roads. These included Avenue Beethoven and Avenue Verhaeren. They provided access to new housing and facilities at Porte de Béthune.
Avenue Verhaeren owes its existence to this post-war vision. It was designed to provide access to modern social housing. The Office Municipal des Habitations à Bon Marché de Lille commissioned the Groupe Verhaeren. Their goal was to construct affordable homes for modest families. Architect Delemer designed the Groupe Verhaeren. He planned eight buildings arranged in an épis style. This layout maximized the narrow available space. These buildings were innovative. They featured concrete structures covered in brick. They stood six stories high above the ground floor. This height was unprecedented at the time.
Completed in 1938, the Groupe HBM Verhaeren included 265 apartments. It also provided six commercial spaces. These were the last HBMs built in Lille. The location was carefully considered. Schools like Samain, Trulin, and Aicard were nearby. They offered local children bright and modern facilities. These schools met contemporary standards of comfort and hygiene. The initial plan envisioned Avenue Verhaeren opening onto a large square. It was also meant to connect to a public garden in the back. However, the planned road development never materialized. Avenue Verhaeren remains a dead end even today.
Imagine the families who first moved here. They were seeking a better life after the war. The Groupe Verhaeren offered them modern amenities. It provided a sense of community. Avenue Verhaeren represents progress and social responsibility.
Take a moment to appreciate the architecture around us. The buildings of Groupe Verhaeren stand as a reminder of Lille’s commitment to its people. The height of the buildings was remarkable for its time. They offered a new standard of living.
As we conclude our visit to Avenue Verhaeren, remember its story. It is a story of recovery, innovation, and social progress. It shows how Lille addressed the challenges of its time. Avenue Verhaeren remains a significant part of the city’s urban landscape. It is a testament to the enduring power of community and thoughtful urban planning.