“Who was Thimothée Félix Bonneels?” someone asks. The Rue Bonneels is named in his honor. This street in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode commemorates a man who left a generous sum to charity in his will.
Originally a part of the Philippe de Goedestraat, the Rue Bonneels took on its own identity in 1899. This change honored Bonneels. The street lies on the territory of Saint-Josse. It stretches from the Leuvensesteenweg to the Gutenbergsquare in Brussels.
Notice how the Rue Bonneels curves near the Willemsstraat. It once formed a section of the broader Philippe de Goedestraat. The decision to rename this segment was a tribute to Thimothée Félix Bonneels’ philanthropy. He bequeathed a significant amount of money to local charities. This act of kindness led to the street being named in his honor.
Most of the buildings here arose between 1884 and 1889. However number 3 stands out. It is the oldest structure dating back to 1874. It underwent renovations in 1898.
Architecturally the Rue Bonneels displays an eclectic mix. Neoclassical inspiration is evident at number 12. Neo-Flemish Renaissance influences appear at number 14. Buildings typically feature three stories. They have two or three bays such as numbers 3 5 and 15.
The corner building at number 1 which also faces Leuvensesteenweg at number 186 is notable. It has seven bays including one corner bay and one bay on Leuvensesteenweg. In contrast number 7 is a 1953 construction. It replaced houses that had stood there since 1889. Numbers 11 and 13 originally housed buildings from 1887. Now a sports center occupies the space since 1984. Part of its wall facing the street is windowless.
The Winner’s Club is not far from here. This club offers a wide range of sports. You can enjoy squash yoga Pilates Zumba fitness and climbing. The club also has wellness options. These include saunas and relaxation areas.
The Winner’s Club provides various services. They host corporate events and team-building activities. They also organize children’s parties and sports camps.
Imagine the Rue Bonneels in 1890. Horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping along the cobblestones. Residents in bustles and bowlers strolling past the newly built houses. The air would be filled with the sounds of construction. Workers would be adding finishing touches to the latest facades. Today the street is quieter. Cars have replaced horses. The buildings still stand. They whisper tales of a bygone era and the generosity of Thimothée Félix Bonneels.