Gesù
071000.03
A new future for the Gesù monastery in Brussels
For nearly 20 years, a solution has been sought for the iconic - but neglected - Gesù site on Rue Royale in Brussels. Following earlier plans for a five-star hotel and a food market, real estate developers VDD Project Development and partner Redet have obtained the final permit for an innovative residential and commercial development programme.
The start of an iconic history
The story of the Gesù site begins in 1856 when the provincialate of the Belgian Jesuits acquires from Jean-Baptiste Vifquain - a prominent Brussels engineer-architect who laid the foundations of the urbanisation of Brussels - a prestigious villa along with some adjacent plots of land. Architect Louis Pavot was selected for the task and he designed a building project, including a church and a new residence, as part of an architectural proposal in the neo-Gothic style which was very popular at the time.
A new residence designed by Edmond Serneels
Although the final dedication of the church took place in 1867, it was not until 1928 that the Jesuits were able to actually build their major residential project. For this, they called on architect Edmond Serneels, an ardent proponent of neo-Gothic architecture and designer of numerous religious buildings in Brussels. Some of his plans were executed between 1929 and 1931. However, his design to complete the church did not receive the approval of the central authorities at the Society of Jesus in Rome.
A new church
After his death in 1934, the order appointed a new architect: Antoine Courtens. His vision for the new church was clearly aligned with Christian architectural traditions while integrating an aesthetic approach expressing the artistic context of 1930s Brussels, which was somewhere between Art Deco and Modernism. The new church was solemnly dedicated during the Easter Mass of 1939. The last public worship services were conducted in 1977, after which the site was left to deteriorate.
The Gesù project, a harmonious fusion of heritage and modern transformation
Developers VDD Project Development and partner Redet recently received the final permit for their independent project covering a total of 15,000 m2. In collaboration with architects from DDS+ and engineers from VK Engineering and DS Engineering, the historic site will be transformed into a multifaceted complex serving both residential and commercial functions.
An innovative, residential-commercial development programme
A total of 57 traditional apartments will be constructed in the restored neoclassical building at the corner of Rue Royale and the new building adjacent to Rue de la Comète. Each apartment is carefully designed with a strong emphasis on an efficient use of space. The apartments on Rue Royale enjoy views of the Botanique and the apartments on Rue de la Comète look out on the inner courtyard garden and the back façade of the Gesù church.
Co-living and hotel with YUST
The former monastery adjacent to Rue Traversière, was recently sold by VDD and Redet to YUST - Young Urban Style. The unique YUST concept, with proven internationally successful projects in Antwerp and Liège, will offer short and long stays combined with work, events, food and culture. The ground floor will feature several common areas and catering facilities, with access to the impressive inner courtyard garden. The intention is to create a welcoming venue that is accessible to residents, hotel guests and the general public. On the first and second floors, there will be 49 hostel rooms for short stays. The third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh floors will house 91 co-living apartments. Each apartment will have a private bathroom, open kitchen and a living and sleeping area as well as have access to common facilities such as lounge areas, a gym, a restaurant with an outdoor terrace, a beautifully landscaped garden, etc.
Focus on sustainable mobility
Due to the diverse public transportation options available in the vicinity and the presence of several public car parks, the project focuses on environmental-friendly ‘soft’ mobility and limits underground parking options. The site will provide 40 private parking spaces for residents. Hotel guests may use the public car park Bota and other existing public car parks located in the area.
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