Hear that? That’s not just the sound of Lille. That’s the sound of history echoing from the walls of the Magasins Généraux.
The Magasins Généraux de Lille stands before us. It’s a building with a story etched into every brick. Initially named “magasin au bled des châtellenies de Lille, Douai et Orchies”. It has transformed over the centuries.
Let’s step back to 1727. The châtellenies decided to build a store for wheat. Their goal was to fight famines and speculation. Construction took place from 1728 to 1733. Two houses were acquired in 1734. One of them served as the concierge’s accommodation. Imagine the hustle and bustle.
In 1790, the city installed its services here. This was after the administrations of the Ancien Régime were suppressed. By 1818, the Ministry of War owned the building. They had already been using parts of the granaries for years. The Magasins Généraux adapted to the needs of the time.
Fast forward to 1985. The city of Lille acquired the buildings. This happened through a “Ville/Armée” exchange procedure. In 1986, the building was assigned to the Education Nationale. The plan was to install its Regional Center for Pedagogical Documentation. However, the project fell through. It was finally auctioned off in 2003.
In 2005, Immobilière Marignan bought it. They converted it into luxury apartments. The Magasins Généraux found new life as a residential space.
Look at the architecture. The building is constructed of brick on a sandstone base. The upper levels alternate brick with Lezenne stone. This is seen in the chainages, cords, and pediment. Two rows of 14 sandstone pillars support the whole structure. Notice the slate roof. Its proportions relate to the elevation through the golden ratio.
Originally, the rectangular building had two staircases. They were located in pavilions. These flanked the east and west ends of the facade. The building had nine levels. A semi-underground cellar served as a store for spirits. Seven granaries each covered 1000 m². The top level had a smaller granary. Only the cellar level is vaulted. The other levels were separated by floors. They were divided into three naves by two rows of fourteen pillars. Three funnels in each floor allowed grain sacks to circulate.
The Magasins Généraux de Lille is more than just a building. It is a landmark that has witnessed centuries of change. It stands as a testament to Lille’s resilience and adaptability. It was listed as a historical monument on February 10, 1948.