Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The former Aubinay stores are an iconic commercial building located in the heart of Saint-Denis, on Réunion Island. Built in the 19th century, they embody the urban neo-classical architectural style, characterized by the use of tile stone. The facade, roof and floor of the interior and exterior galleries were protected by an additional inventory of the Historic Monuments on 25 March 1994, recognizing their heritage value.

The Aubinay store is part of the historic commercial landscape of Saint-Denis, the major administrative and economic city of La Réunion. This type of building reflects the rise of trading activities in the French colonies in the 19th century, a period marked by the development of trade and the growing urbanization of island city centres. The galleries, typical of the commercial constructions of the period, served both sales spaces and sociability places for the inhabitants.

The precise location of the building, at 37 rue Jean-Châtel, makes it a landmark in downtown Saint-Denis. Although the current cartographic accuracy is considered poor (level 5/10), official sources, such as the Merimée base, confirm its address and private property status. Today, its exact use (visits, rentals, etc.) is not clearly documented, but its heritage inscription guarantees its preservation for future generations.

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