Here stands the impressive H\u00f4tel \u00c9chevinal. It is Lille’s City Hall. Its belfry pierces the sky. It was listed as a historical monument. Its belfry was recognized by UNESCO.
Let’s delve into the story of H\u00f4tel \u00c9chevinal. The H\u00f4tel \u00c9chevinal wasn’t always here. The old city hall stood on Place Rihour. Architect Charles Benvignat rebuilt it. This was between 1847 and 1859. It stood where the Palais Rihour once stood. Dukes of Burgundy once resided here. A fire destroyed it in 1916.
After World War I, Lille needed a new city hall. Gustave Delory led the socialist municipality. They decided to build a new symbol for the city. In 1920, a contest sought ideas. Emile Dubuisson was chosen as the architect.
The location was chosen in 1919. It was Square Ruault. This was a working-class area. Dubuisson planned a complete renovation. He envisioned Haussmann-style avenues. Construction began in 1924. Roger Salengro became mayor in 1925. He decided to add a belfry to the H\u00f4tel \u00c9chevinal. The belfry was France’s first reinforced concrete building over 100 meters. Its construction spanned from 1929 to 1931. It was inaugurated in 1932.
However, Dubuisson’s full vision was not realized. War reparations dwindled. The district’s development stalled. Only two of the three planned wings were built for the H\u00f4tel \u00c9chevinal. The current H\u00f4tel \u00c9chevinal was completed in 1992. Jean Pattou’s agency designed the northern extension. The entrance hall was renovated in 2000.
The H\u00f4tel \u00c9chevinal is constructed from concrete, brick, and stone. Glazed ceramic adds to its appeal. Its polychrome facade evokes Flemish houses. Triangular gables adorned with ears of corn add to the design. This reflects Flemish neo-Renaissance architecture. It is in the Art Deco style. It is often called Regionalist Art Deco. This style is common in Lille between the wars.
The Belfry of Lille stands at the corner of the H\u00f4tel \u00c9chevinal. It is the newest and tallest belfry in Flanders. It is made of reinforced concrete. It stands 104 meters tall. To reach the top, you must climb 400 steps. It is the tallest municipal building in France. Its design was inspired by houses of Old Lille. Statues of giants Lyd\u00e9ric and Phinaert stand at its base. Carlo Sarrabezolles crafted them by hand in concrete. They are founders of the city.
Inside, a gallery stretches 143 meters. It is divided into three naves. Two rows of pillars with floral motifs line the gallery. The pillars’ capitals were cast in aluminum. Marble and wrought iron decorate their bases. This gallery acts as a municipal street. It opens to service offices. Three halls with openwork ceilings separate the sections. The hall has public reception counters. The central hall houses the council chamber. Staircases lead to the first floor. This floor includes the wedding room. There is also the Erro Room and Roger Salengro’s office. Salengro committed suicide in 1936. His office remains unoccupied as a tribute. The fleur-de-lys of Lille’s coat of arms appears throughout.
Only the administrative wing and belfry were built in the 1930s. The reception wing was never built. The final wing was built in the 1990s. It houses the current vestibule.
The H\u00f4tel \u00c9chevinal stands as a testament to Lille’s history. It symbolizes resilience. It showcases architectural innovation. Its story echoes through the halls. It resonates in the belfry’s chimes.