“Who was Joseph Benoît Willems?” I can almost hear you ask as we gather here at Place Joseph Benoît Willems. This square carries his name. Let’s uncover the story behind this Brussels square. It’s more than just a meeting point. It is a tribute to a man of law and a family’s unrealized dreams.
The story of Place Joseph Benoît Willems begins in 1879. A royal decree approved the square’s creation. But it wasn’t until around 1893 that the plans materialized. The square was named in honor of Joseph Benoît Willems. He was a member of the Court of Appeal of Brussels. Willems was buried in the Laeken cemetery. The choice of his name has an interesting twist.
Léon Gauchez, a family member and literary figure, made a significant donation in 1890. The donation was intended to establish the Musée-Bibliothèque Willems. Sadly, this institution never came to fruition. The square stands as a reminder of that unrealized cultural project.
Look around you. Most of the buildings surrounding Place Joseph Benoît Willems were constructed between 1897 and 1906. They showcase an eclectic architectural style. Notice number 39. Architect Richard Neybergh designed it in 1899. It originally housed a café on the ground floor. Consider number 46. It occupies a narrow plot that widens towards the back. Numbers 49 to 51 were built in 1903. Number 52 was designed by architect Georges Poncelet in 1900.
At number 48, there is a large building. It also had a café on the ground floor. Originally, a dance hall was located at the back. Georges Poncelet designed this building too in 1900. In 1931, it transformed into the Astra cinema. The cinema closed its doors in 1967.
On the other side, at numbers 10 and 11, an entrance led to industrial buildings. These buildings were replaced in 2015. Now a youth center and a daycare stand there. They include a multipurpose room and playgrounds. In the 1950s and 1960s, apartment buildings filled plots that had been used for material storage. These are on several corners of the square.
In September 2002, Place Joseph Benoît Willems underwent redevelopment. It was finished in the autumn of 2003. The renovation included new paving and additional trees. It also brought a new traffic organization. The total cost amounted to 787000 euros.
Place Joseph Benoît Willems is now a spacious area of over 3700 square meters. It is lined with trees. It features rest areas and playgrounds for children. The Moorslede street crosses it completely. The Meyers Hennau street and the Ketels street end there.
So, as you stroll across Place Joseph Benoît Willems, remember its history. It is a blend of legal legacy, architectural evolution and community aspirations. It represents a tribute and transformation in the heart of Brussels.