Built between 1880 and 1910 Rue Van Elewyck Van Elewyckstraat in Brussels stands as a testament to a bygone era. Its elegant buildings tell stories of families and architects. The street connects Chaussée d’Ixelles to Rue Lesbroussart. Beyond that it links to Avenue Louise via Rue Dautzenberg. It’s also connected to Rue de Hennin and Rue de l’Ermitage.
Rue Van Elewyck Van Elewyckstraat wasn’t always a street. It occupies an ancient path leading to the Hermitage manor. This manor with its buildings pond and land vanished around the mid-19th century. The street itself opened officially on November 11 1863. This was part of a larger project to open several streets in the Hermitage district.
In 1876 only three houses stood on Rue Van Elewyck Van Elewyckstraat. Its extension towards Avenue Louise a project dating back to 1870 was finally decreed. Royal decrees of February 11 1884 January 23 1886 and June 25 1886 gave the street its current form. Initially named Rue Van Elewyck the extension received the name Rue Dautzenberg in 1889.
The name Rue Van Elewyck Van Elewyckstraat honors a prominent Ixelles family. They were allied to the Anoul family another family that lent their name to an Ixelles street. Henri-Joseph Van Elewyck a lawyer served as a municipal councilor from 1825. He was Ixelles’ mayor from 1828 to 1830.
The architecture along Rue Van Elewyck Van Elewyckstraat is noteworthy. The odd-numbered side features eclectic buildings. Some show Art Nouveau influences. These buildings date from 1902 to 1911. Numbers 7 and 9 built in 1906 and 1907 respectively are notable. They retain their original beautiful ironwork. Near Rue Lesbroussart stand older neoclassical houses. These are among the oldest on the street.
The even-numbered side is also fascinating. The most striking section is from numbers 32 to 38. Number 8 an eclectic building with picturesque inspiration stands out. Its visible farmyard is well-preserved. It was designed by Emile Dupont in 1904. Two older neoclassical houses at numbers 12 and 14 are also noteworthy. Jules Bernard designed them in 1883.
Rue Van Elewyck Van Elewyckstraat’s buildings form a relatively homogeneous ensemble. Its story is one of transformation. It evolved from an ancient path to a vibrant part of Ixelles. The street bears witness to the architectural styles and influential families of Brussels. It is a charming street to explore. Each building whispers stories of its past.