Hidden within Saint-Gilles lies Rue Dethy-Dethystraat a street steeped in history. Its very name whispers a tale of philanthropy. Baron Jean Justin Huys de Thy a benefactor of the commune is responsible for its creation. He and Francois Adrien Joseph Sterckx inherited land where the old Fort de Monterey once stood. This fort destroyed in 1782 left its last vestiges behind until 1862.
Rue Dethy-Dethystraat’s story unfolds in two acts. The first section between Chaussée de Waterloo and Rue du Fort follows an 1858 plan. Mostly Neoclassical houses built in the 1860s and 1870s line this commercial stretch. The second part planned in 1863 shows a blend of Neoclassical and Eclectic styles. Homes built in the 1890s and 1900s stand proudly.
The Maelschalck family left their mark. Jean-Baptiste Maelschalck a builder and his architect son created numerous structures here. Their 1876 home and carpentry workshop specialized in staircases are highlights. Sadly over time Rue Dethy-Dethystraat’s architectural homogeneity has suffered. Brick veneers garage conversions and modernized storefronts altered the streetscape. A notable exception is a postmodern building adding a striking contrast to its surroundings.
Despite these changes much of Rue Dethy-Dethystraat retains its character. The street’s history whispers from its stones. Each building a chapter in a larger narrative. Walk down Rue Dethy-Dethystraat and you’ll feel the echo of past lives. You’ll appreciate the blend of architectural styles. You’ll discover a hidden gem within Brussels. Rue Dethy-Dethystraat is a journey through time a testament to a rich past. A testament to the enduring spirit of Saint-Gilles.