Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The building at 30bis Thiers Street in Epinal is an emblematic achievement of Art Nouveau in the Vosges. Built in 1906 for industrial Kaeppelin, it embodies the economic dynamism of the city at the beginning of the twentieth century, marked by the rise of local industries and the influence of modern artistic currents. Spinalian architect Louis Mougenot, author of the plans, incorporates decorative elements typical of the style, including stained glass that still adorn the doors of the ground floor today.

The protection of the building as a Historic Monument, which took place by decree of 9 November 1984, specifically concerns its facades and roofs on street, its gate, as well as interior elements such as the staircase with its cage or chimneys of reception rooms. These choices reflect the desire to preserve an architectural heritage representative of the aesthetic and technical innovation of the time, while emphasizing the role of industrial sponsors in the urban transformation of Epinal.

The building is part of a regional context where art and industry intersect, illustrating the transition from the 19th century industrial to the artistic aspirations of the 20th century. Although its exact location is estimated to be "a priori satisfactory" (note 6/10), its official address and GPS coordinates confirm its anchoring in the city centre, close to other achievements of the same period. Today, its legal status (partial protection) questions its potential uses, without the sources specifying whether it is open to the public or converted.

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