Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The house at 29 Birris Street (formerly Burysgass) in Westhoffen is a remarkable example of Alsatian Renaissance architecture. Built around 1680 by Jean-Jacques Bury, son of tanner Jean Bury, it is distinguished by its sandstone facade and a characteristic bay window. The Bury family, originally from Lixheim, was a dynasty of Huguenot tanners who fled the religious persecutions in Champagne to settle in Alsace.

The property, originally linked to a tannery founded around 1650 by Jean Bury, has undergone transformations over the centuries, including the division of property in the 19th century. The house was partially damaged during the wars, but original elements such as the corner lodge and stair turret were preserved. Enlisted as a historical monument in 1931, it bears witness to the influence of Huguenot artisans in the region.

The Burys, of Swiss and Huguenot origin, were first established in Lixheim before settling in Westhoffen. Their house reflects a mixture of architectural styles, blending Champagne traditions (such as stoneware sculpture) and Alsatian. The street today bears their name (Burysgass), in tribute to their role in local history. The 1931 protection specifically concerns facades and roofs, highlighting their heritage value.

The building is part of a historical context marked by the reception of Huguenot refugees in Alsace after the wars of Religion. These artisans, often skilled, have contributed to local economic development, particularly in the leather and paper industries. The Westhoffen house thus illustrates both a family history and a part of regional history linked to religious and artisanal migration.

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