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Origin and history

The old arsenal of firefighters of Dreux was built between 1902 and 1903 by architect Eugène-Edouard Avard, also inspector of Historical Monuments. This public building, built in masonry with a mellow trim, cement and polychrome brick, is distinguished by its decorative richness and monumental appearance. Avard has demonstrated its ability to combine economy of means, adaptation to the field and functionality, while integrating personal stylistic elements such as clasps in d'arc key or diamond tips.

The building illustrates the importance of urban work at the 19th and 20th centuries, during which Avard played a key role in Dreux. Originally designed as an arsenal for pumps, it lost its original use after its transformation into a covered market in 1961, when two lateral wings were added, significantly altering its architectural integrity. Despite these changes, the original facades and roofs, as well as an interior turret dedicated to the suspension of pipes, were included in the Historical Monuments in 1996.

Today owned by the municipality, the old arsenal bears witness to both the technical ingenuity of its architect and the urban evolutions of Dreux. Its style, marked by polychromy and a balance between tradition and modernity, makes it a remarkable example of the public achievements of the period. The location of the monument, 5 Place du Marché-Couture, confirms its anchoring in the historical fabric of the city, although its present state reflects the compromises between preservation and adaptation to contemporary needs.

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