Hotel Riez
Address Boulevard du Jubilé 86
City/Neighborhood Molenbeek-Saint-Jean
Style(s)
- Art Deco
Original use
- Habitat
Year 1927
Architect(s) and/or artist(s)
- Dewin Jean Baptiste
In this part of Brussels which was in full development at the turn of the 19th/20th century, Joachim Riez, an important merchant in building materials, had this vast mansion built in 1927 by the architect Jean Baptiste Dewin.
The building housed its offices as well as its private accommodation.
Two rental houses were added in the same style on Avenue Henri Hollevoet.
The cut corner presents the main entrance door and a fairly imposing cubicle window.
We find the elements dear to Dewin at this period of his career, red brick walls alternated with white stone, beautiful entrance portal decorated with severe carved birds, pelican and eagle.
Other birds adorn this facade, on the pilasters of the cubicle, notably stylized doves.
The entire facade is quite imposing, however we do not find the elegance of its “secessionist” period and we wonder why Dewin capped the corner with a pointed roof, which is quite rare in his work.
On the other hand, the interior of the house is a pure masterpiece, due to the choice of materials used and the refinement of the decorations, created in close collaboration with his friend Joseph De Coene, of the Ateliers d'Art de Kortrijk De Coene Brothers.
The entrance hall paneled in gray marble is impressive, all the details such as the radiator grills demonstrate the quest for quality and the meticulousness of the Dewin and De Coene couple.
In the main hall, the carved wooden staircase, the paneling, the marble, everything is harmonious.
A superb stained glass window with Art Deco motifs, a fountain with symmetrical flow, adorns the stairwell.
The upstairs rooms are also extremely neat, living room, dining room, are admirable.
Beautiful little floral stained glass adorn all the windows.
The beautiful parquet floors have been preserved.
A large, sumptuous and original kitchen completes the decor.
All this would not be possible if the last owner of the building (1979), CDA Insurance, had not restored and preserved it in a remarkable way in 1992. The CDA has also recently become the owner of Maison Cauchie.
The house can be visited on the occasion of Banad days. Not to be missed !
Façade-Facade
Intérieur-Interieur-Interior
MOL05 - Unless otherwise stated © www.admirable-facades.brussels for all photos