Picture this. You stand before the Htel de Ville of Saint-Denis a magnificent building that has witnessed centuries of history. Its Renaissance-style architecture speaks of grandeur. It stands proudly on Place Victor-Hugo.
The Htel de Ville of Saint-Denis is more than just a city hall. It is a testament to the town’s rich past. Its story begins long before its current form. The first meeting place for the town’s officials was a private home. This was in 1720 under King Louis XV. They later moved to a house on Place Pannetire. This is the same location as the current building. By the 1870s the old town hall was beyond repair. The town council decided to build a new one.
The foundation stone for the current Htel de Ville was laid in 1881. Maurice Engelhard the president of the Paris City Council did the honors. Paul Laynaud designed the building. He created a symmetrical masterpiece of ashlar stone. President Jules Grvy officially opened it in 1883. A medal was even struck to commemorate the occasion. The Htel de Ville boasted a symmetrical facade. Seven bays faced Place Pannetire. Tall round-headed openings dominated the central section. Bipartite windows and mullioned windows decorated the ground and first floors respectively. Six dormer windows topped the building. A coat of arms a clock and an octagonal belfry with a spire completed the design.
Inside Gaston Cailleux designed the principal rooms. The Salle de Conseil and the Salle des Mariages were highlights. Henri Rapin added his touch in the 1920s decorating the ceilings and walls. Sadly a fire damaged the belfry in 1988. It was later restored. An annex designed by Henri and Bruno Gaudin was added in 1993. It is connected to the main building by a glass bridge.
The Htel de Ville of Saint-Denis is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to the evolution of Saint-Denis itself. It silently observes the city’s growth. It’s a vital part of Saint-Denis’ identity. It shows the town’s commitment to its past and its future. The Htel de Ville a timeless symbol of Saint-Denis awaits your further exploration.