Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The building of the Lyon Credit of Nancy, built between 1901 and 1902 by the architect Felician Caesar, embodies the alliance between classicism and modernity. Its sober facade, of traditional style, contrasts with its spectacular interior hall, dominated by a 250 m2 window, masterpiece of the School of Nancy. This stained glass window, designed by Jacques Gruber and directed by Charles Gauville, combines geometric and vegetal motifs (clematites interlaced) in shades parma, yellow, pink and turquoise. The metal frame, an industrial signature of Caesar, supports this luminous work, protected by a metal frame.

The history of the building is marked by private sponsors: the widow Gardeil, owner, rents it for 24 years at Crédit Lyonnais. Partially classified in 1976, then in 1994 and 1996 (hall, glass and blanket), the building undergoes transformations, such as the disappearance of the glass floor illuminating the vault room. The glass roof, restored in 1920 by Gruber himself and then in 1980-1981, illustrates the craft know-how of Lorraine. The expansion works (1929, 1945) and development (1973) by André César and architects Lamise and Royer adapted the space to the needs of banks.

The building reflects the Belgian influence of Felician Caesar, naturalized French in 1887, and his expertise in metal structures, inherited from his early construction of factories. The reinforced concrete, used for the floor, is made by the local company France-Lanord and Bichaton, dealer of the Hennebique system. The glass window, a symbol of the art nouveau nancéien, combines technical innovation (steel carpenter, maintenance yard) and aesthetics, with light sets created by coloured and acid engraved glasses. Its plant iconography is part of the regional artistic movement, celebrating stylized nature.

Located at 7bis-9 rue Saint-Georges, the building remains a testimony of Nancy's banking and architectural age. Its classification as Historic Monument in 1996 devotes its heritage value, combining economic history (headquarters of Crédit Lyonnais) and artistic (collaboration Gruber-Gauville). The glass roof, visible from the lobby, attracts attention by its cribs of clematites and airy structure, while the discreet facade integrates into the city's classic urban landscape.

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