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Origin and history

Houot House is a building built between 1905 and 1907 in the centre of Nancy, under the direction of architects Henri Gutton and Joseph Hornecker. Sponsored by notary Philippe Houot, this achievement reflects Nancy's economic development after the annexation of Alsace-Moselle in 1870, during which time the city became a major administrative and commercial hub of eastern France. The choice of location, rue Chanzy near Place André-Maginot, illustrates this dynamic, with a strategic proximity to banking and commercial activities.

Construction began in 1905 under the collaboration of Gutton and Hornecker, who took over alone in 1907 after Gutton's withdrawal. The firm France-Lanord and Bichaton, specialist in reinforced concrete, carry out the work, while renowned craftsmen such as Edgar Brandt (ferronerie), Léon Surmely (sculptures) and Louis Majorelle (mobilier) contribute to its embellishment. The notarial study did not move in until 1909, and the interior finishes ended in 1910, with subsequent modifications until 1914.

The building, conceived as a private hotel superimposed on offices, is distinguished by its asymmetric five-span facade and lateral porch. Its Art Nouveau style, marked by ornamental details, is part of the artistic movement of the École de Nancy. In 1960, BNP Paribas acquired the building, resulting in the almost total disappearance of its interior decoration during its transformation into offices. The facade and roof have been protected as historical monuments since 1976.

The Houot house inspired other constructions, such as Octave Gelin's in Châlons-en-Champagne in 1910. Its history reflects Nancy's urban and social changes at the turn of the 20th century, between architectural modernity and the affirmation of an influential professional bourgeoisie.

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