Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The house at 22 Rue du Sud in Dunkirk is an example of an 18th-century bourgeois dwelling built in brick with coated facades. Its stone cochère door frame and its vaulted cellar in a brick cradle testify to a careful architectural know-how. It was built for Jacques-Nicolas Bonte, an influential sponsor in Dunkirk, who financed several residential buildings in the city. The permission to build was granted in 1758, marking the beginning of his history.

In 1932, the property was acquired by the Sisters of Providence of Rouen, who transformed it to expand the Sainte-Marie kindergarten and primary school, as well as the home of adjacent young girls. These changes mainly concerned the interior and the courtyard. The adjoining house of number 20, built in 1777, has a similar façade and plan, suggesting an architectural unit in this area. Today, the school is also number 24, extending the educational vocation of the site.

Classified as a Historic Monument in 1988 for its façade and roof on the street, this house illustrates Dunkirk's urban evolution from a private residence to a school. Its designation as protected monuments underscores its heritage importance. The property now belongs to an association, although its access to the public (visits, rentals) is not specified in the available sources.

External links