Historical Monument 28 septembre 2023 (≈ 2023)
Protection of facades and common areas.
1er quart du XXe siècle
Construction of the island
Construction of the island 1er quart du XXe siècle (≈ 2025)
Construction of the three prototype buildings.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
The prototype islet of the U.S. City: the facades and roofs of the three buildings that make up it, as well as the common parts of each building: entrance halls, stairwells (except elevators), pallet doors and the BI 66 plot on which they are located. The three buildings that make up the prototype islet of the U.S. City are located 62-64 U.S. Boulevard / 1 rue des Serpollières, on Parcel 66, section BI: inscription by order of 28 September 2023
Key figures
Tony Garnier - Architect
Manufacturer of the island and the city.
Origin and history
The prototype island of the U.S. City, located in Lyon in the U.S. quarter, was designed in the 1st quarter of the 20th century as a modern social housing model. This set, composed of three buildings, illustrates the urban vision of Tony Garnier, a Lyon architect whose achievements have profoundly marked the city. The buildings, organised around a central stairwell, avoid vis-à-vis with a cross plan and maximize sunlight. The houses, from T3 to T5 types, incorporate technical and hygienic innovations for the period, such as vertical bays in each room, roof terraces inspired by Mediterranean architecture, and common areas flooded with light.
The materials used reflect a rational and cost-effective approach: gravel concrete underlays, blindfold elevations, reinforced concrete floors, and brick interior partitions. Tony Garnier prefers functionality to decoration, with apartments designed to offer minimal but efficient comfort, including central lounges, balconies, and optimized space distribution. The prototype islet, located at 62-64 U.S. Boulevard and 1 rue des Serpollières, was classified as a Historic Monument in 2023 for its facades, roofs, and common areas, reflecting its heritage importance.
This ensemble is part of the larger project of the City of the United States, also called Cité Tony Garnier, labeled Contemporary Architecture Remarkable. Garnier's urban thinking, focused on health, hygiene and light, has had a lasting impact on Lyon's development. The three buildings, owned by the municipality, symbolize a desire to modernise workers' housing while integrating innovative aesthetic and practical principles. Their recent protection underscores their role in the history of French social architecture.
The exact address, 62-64 boulevard des Etats-Unis and 1 rue des Serpollières (69008 Lyon), places the island in an area that was changing in the early 20th century, marked by industrialization and increasing needs for safe housing. GPS coordinates and Insee code (69123) confirm its anchoring in the Rhône region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. The listing of the Historic Monuments covers the facades, roofs, entrance halls, stairwells (excluding elevators), and the BI 66 plot, thus preserving the integrity of this unique architectural heritage.
