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Origin and history

The building is part of the urban project to create a royal square and homogeneous facades along the Garonne, initiated in the 18th century. In 1729 the architect Jacques Gabriel proposed three plans, then built in 1731 the Quai de la Douane and its facades. This project, supported by intendant Claude Boucher, aims to standardize Bordeaux architecture along the river, but its complete realization will take several decades.

When Boucher died, intendant Aubert de Tourny revived the project with Angel-Jacques Gabriel, son of Jacques Gabriel. In 1748, a homogeneous architectural order was completed, extending Place Royale (now Place de la Bourse). The facades, characterized by arches in full hanger, two square floors and a Mansard attic, form a monumental ensemble. Despite subsequent changes (disappearance of balconies, commercial occupation of the ground floor), their original structure remains.

The building at the 17 quai des Salinières, whose facade and roof have been protected since 1951, illustrates this architectural style. The stone slits, carved motifs and skylights recall the aesthetic and functional ambition of the project: to mark the prestige of Bordeaux, the major port of the eighteenth century, while meeting the commercial needs (stores on the ground floor).

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