A whisper of history echoes down Rue Gheude-Gheudestraat. This unassuming street in Anderlecht holds secrets. It’s a story woven into the very bricks of its neoclassical houses.
Rue Gheude-Gheudestraat didn’t always exist. It began as Impasse Gheude a small dead-end lane. This lane appeared in the 1840s. It was named after Dominique Gheude. He was a respected council member and alderman. The small lane was extended in 1863. This was part of a plan for a new residential area. The extension reached Brogniezstraat. The area between Chaussée de Mons the planned Rue de l’Instruction and the new Midi Station was developed. A final plan was approved in 1872. Around 1876-1877 the impasse transformed into the street we see today.
The elegant neoclassical houses lining Rue Gheude-Gheudestraat tell a tale of prosperity. Many were built between 1850 and 1885. Some were designed as a unified ensemble. Others are eclectic styles from the 1890s. Most had workshops or storage areas in the back. These buildings housed a variety of businesses.
The street wasn’t just residential. It boasted industrial buildings too. The Ruelle chocolate factory occupied numbers 15-19 and 21-25. Several beer depots also thrived here. One depot from 1875 was remodeled in 1969. Its owner lived next door at number 39. Another depot dating from 1874 was taken over by Maison Cantillon around 1903. A tram depot of the Compagnie Brésilienne de Tramways also stood here. It was built in 1874 expanded in the 1890s and 1900s. Sadly it was demolished after 1987.
The architecture along Rue Gheude-Gheudestraat is impressive. Look closely. Note the symmetrical composition of many buildings. Observe the carefully crafted details. These features speak to the skill of architects like J Rosschaert who designed buildings here in 1876. These buildings reflect the aesthetic and artistic values of their time. Their historical significance is undeniable. They represent a significant phase in Anderlecht’s urban development.
Rue Gheude-Gheudestraat is more than just a street. It’s a living testament. It’s a testament to Anderlecht’s history and its vibrant past. Its buildings whisper stories of entrepreneurs chocolatiers and brewers. They are tales of tramways and bustling commerce. Take a moment to appreciate this unique street. Imagine the lives lived and businesses conducted within its walls. Rue Gheude-Gheudestraat is a treasure awaiting your discovery.