A straight line connecting two points. That’s exactly what Rue Camille Simoens is. This Brussels street runs directly from Avenue Voltaire to Rue Général Eenens.
Rue Camille Simoens spans about 160 meters. It might not seem like much. But it’s a journey through architectural history. The street’s creation dates back to 1903. A royal decree on February 6th formalized its existence. The street officially opened in 1904.
Originally, it bore the name Rue François De Greef. However, that changed quickly. In August 1903, it was renamed Rue Camille Simoens. This honored Camille Simoens. He was an entrepreneur. Simoens acquired much of the street’s land.
Camille Simoens was born in Harelbeke in 1851. He passed away in Schaerbeek in 1919. Beyond real estate, he was a builder. Simoens even constructed the train stations of Antwerp and Soignies. His influence extended into local politics. He served as a municipal councilor in Schaerbeek from 1908 to 1919.
Look closely at the buildings along Rue Camille Simoens. Twenty-five houses were erected in 1903 and 1904. These showcase an eclectic style. Art Nouveau inspires them. Some think Henri Jacobs designed them. The remaining buildings mostly went up between 1910 and 1912. These display an eclectic style.
The house numbers run from 1 to 51 on one side. On the other, they go from 2 to 50. Note the harmonious rows of houses. One stretches from number 1 to 47. The other extends from number 2 to 48. Around 1905, numbers 1 and 3 were designed. They were conceived with numbers 5 and 7 on Avenue Voltaire. Camille Simoens even had his offices at numbers 5-7. Rue Camille Simoens offers a glimpse into Brussels’ past. It shows the vision of an entrepreneur. It also highlights the architectural trends of the early 20th century.