Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Lille's general stores, originally called the bled store of Lille, Douai and Orchies, were built between 1728 and 1733 to combat food shortages and speculation on cereals. The building, preceded by a courtyard framed by two houses acquired in 1734, included accommodation for the concierge. Its imposing structure, made of bricks and stone from Lezenne, was based on 28 stonestone pillars and housed nine levels, including seven attices of 1000 m2 each, equipped with wheat bag circulation systems.

In 1790, after the abolition of the administrations of the Ancien Régime, the city of Lille reused the premises for its services. The War Department became the owner in 1818, already partially exploiting the attices. The building changed hands several times in the 20th century: it was handed over to the city in 1985 as part of exchanges with the Army, and was entrusted without success to National Education in 1986, then sold by auction in 2003. Purchased in 2005 by the Immobilier Marignan, it was transformed into high-end housing.

Ranked a historic monument since 1948, the building is distinguished by its functional architecture, combining bricks, sandstone and stone. Its roof, covering an elevation marked by chains and pediments, would have been designed in proportions inspired by the number of gold. The two symmetrical stairs and the three inner naves, separated by lines of pillars, testify to its original use in the storage and distribution of cereals.

External links