Perhaps the walls of these buildings could whisper tales of Brussels’ past. Today, we find ourselves on the Chaussée de Forest – Vorstse Steenweg. It is one of Saint-Gilles’ oldest and longest roads. This thoroughfare stretches from Hallepoortlaan to Parklaan. The Chaussée de Forest even crosses into Vorst.
Let’s take a step back in time. The Chaussée de Forest was once a simple route. It connected the city to its outer areas. It was first known as Middelweg. Later, it became the road from Brussels to Sint-Pieters-Leeuw. The Chaussée de Forest shares its origins with the Oude Vorstweg. This old road ran from Halle to Vorst. It is now known as Belgradostraat. The Chaussée de Forest extends from Hallepoort to Halle. It passes through Drogenbos and Ruisbroek. The road becomes Brusselsesteenweg then Neerstallesteenweg in Vorst.
Now, let’s delve into its development. The Chaussée de Forest grew in stages. It appears on Jacques van Deventer’s Brussels maps around 1554. Back then, it ended near Vlogaertstraat. A map from 1673 shows it reaching Bethlehemplein. It was noted as a private drive on a castle farm’s land. In 1712, the City of Brussels funded its paving.
The road’s path was officially set in 1834. Over time, the Chaussée de Forest was changed and straightened. The intersection at Wipstraat and W. Tellstraat was enlarged. This was approved in 1888 and 1901. The corner between Bethlehemplein and Montenegrostraat was created in 1882. Social housing projects near G. Combazstraat led to adjustments. The building line between Wipstraat and Bosniëstraat was revised in 1925.
Beyond T. Verhaegenstraat, construction started later. The old cemetery between Wipstraat and Fortstraat was removed in 1890. This spurred the area’s development. Since 1965, the Chaussée de Forest’s odd-numbered side has been transformed. Social housing replaced older buildings. Jacques Frank Square and a playground now occupy this space.
Some buildings along the Chaussée de Forest are historically significant. Despite renovations, they date back to the 1830s and 1850s. Many facades feature 19th-century Neoclassical styles. Brick facing became popular from the 1940s. In the 20th century, Eclectic-style apartment buildings arose. They showcase colorful facades.
The Chaussée de Forest has long been densely built. It features workers’ homes and small industrial buildings. Commercial activity has always been present here. Many houses originally included small shops.
Consider number 106. It stands out with its well-preserved sgraffiti. These floral motifs adorn the arches. Architect Louis Rahier designed number 90-90a in 1935. It boasts an Art Deco facade with stained glass.
The Chaussée de Forest whispers stories of change. From its origins as a humble path to its evolution into a bustling street, it reflects Brussels’ dynamic spirit.